Dog and cat owning ban for pair who kept 49 animals in squalor

Beverly Gilson and John Howard pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs and cats

Two people have been banned from keeping animals after 48 dogs and a cat were found in filthy conditions.

Beverly Gilson, 64, and John Howard, 72, from Abernant, Carmarthenshire, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and not caring properly for the animals.

Swansea Crown Court heard some animals' coats were so matted, RSCPA officers struggled to identify the breed.

One dog was found in a rodent cage "spinning around in circles".

A total of 48 dogs and a cat were found in filthy conditions at their home

It was just one of many of the animals which were caged.

Gilson and Howard were also sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, suspended for nine months.

An RSPCA statement read by Jon Tarrant, prosecuting, said: "The smell of dog faeces and urine was overpowering, the room was dark with very little natural light coming in and the dogs were barking constantly."

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Mr Tarrant said the smell at the property in Abernant, Carmarthenshire, was so bad it made RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben wretch, as it was the worst he had smelled in his 24 years at the organisation.

The number and condition of the animals rescued made the case, Mr Tarrant said, particularly challenging for the RSPCA.

Many of the dogs had matted coats, 17 had skin disease and 26 had eye conditions.

Two dogs and the cat had to be put down.

The owners have been banned from keeping animals for five years

Alycia Carpanini, defending, told the court Gilson was sorry for what happened, saying she had been caring for her sick husband.

But after his death "everything got on top of her".

Ms Carpanini added that Gilson never intended that the animals be neglected nor were they kept for commercial gain.

Kate Williams, defending Howard, said he was dependent on Gilson and her late husband, who was his cousin.

He had lived with them for most of his adult life and "let matters get out of hand".

But, Ms Williams said there was no suggestion of deliberate intention to cause suffering.

Judge Catherine Richards concluded there was a "substantial" suffering and the number of animals was an aggravating factor.

They were also sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, suspended for nine months

The pair were sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, suspended for nine months, and banned from keeping animals for five years.

They also both have to do 15 days rehabilitation, 50 hours unpaid work and pay £400 costs.

The dogs have now either been rehomed, or are being looked after by the Dogs Trust or Hope Rescue. The RSPCA is working to find seven other animals new homes.