Hereford sanctuary boss jailed over suffering of animals

Three of the owls found at the rescue later had to be put to sleep

An animal sanctuary boss has been sent to jail for causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

Graham Stephens, 63, of Little Meadow Animal Rescue had admitted eight offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

He had been bailed pending an appeal, the RPSCA said, but Hereford Justice Centre confirmed he was jailed for eight months last week.

The case involved more than 40 animals, the charity said, 35 of which were found in the one room of a mobile home.

RSPCA inspectors conducted a warrant at the rescue centre in Stoke Bliss, near Tenbury Wells, after repeated reports of animal neglect.

Inspectors said they were struck by the "stench" when they entered the premises

On arrival, chief inspector Thea Kerrison and RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith said they found seven donkeys in mud eating "wet dirty straw".

Their feet were overgrown, the inspectors added, and they were kept among "broken barbed wire fencing, broken junk, scrap metal, old vehicles and many hazards".

In the mobile home, Ms Smith said, they were instantly struck with the stench of "ammonia and faeces".

Faeces, she said, were caked on to the floor and animals were stored in cages among piles of "junk".

More than 40 animals were found

Donkeys were found with overgrown feet

In all, the case included 24 dogs, two rabbits, one guinea pig, four tawny owls, one little owl, one pheasant, one budgie and one squirrel.

Seven donkeys and two Alpacas from outside in a paddock area were also seized.

Tawny owls were found with their "feathers were caked in faeces", Ms Smith said with two others were found in a parrot cage with "seriously damaged" feathers.

Three of the owls found had to be put to sleep.

The RSPCA appealed for anyone who may have concerns about the conditions of an animal rescue centre to come forward

Speaking after the sentencing, Ms Smith said: "To need rescuing once in life is sad, to need rescuing twice is unacceptable.

"It is very sad that this was a registered charity as there are many others out there doing a fantastic job for animal welfare."

Some of the animals rescued have since been rehomed, some at other sanctuaries.

The RSPCA said Stephens of Broad Street in Bromyard, had set up the charity in 2010 with "good intentions" but became "out of his depth", and had also experienced some difficult personal circumstances.

At the hearing at Hereford Justice Centre on 10 October he was also ordered to pay costs totalling just over £6,400.

Two of the seven donkeys found have since been rehomed