A dog found living in a house piled high with beer cans and rubbish has now been rehomed in Hull.
Luka, a Corgi and Jack Russell cross, was discovered with five cats, another dog, and a Burmese python which were all removed by the RSPCA due to welfare concerns.
David Willis, 36, and Gemma Olds, 41, both pleaded guilty to three Animal Welfare Act offences. They were sentenced at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court in County Durham on July 9.
Luka ended up at RSPCA Hull & East Riding Branch at just around four months old and “really struggled with centre life”, the branch shared on its Facebook page.
But the puppy ended up with a fosterer where he thrived. “After everything he’s been through, we’re so happy to share that Luka’s foster home has now become his forever home,” they added.
(Image: RSPCA)
The court was told RSPCA Inspectors Heidi Cleaver and Lucy Green visited the address where Luka and the other animals were kept on January 10 this year.
In her written evidence to the court, Inspector Cleaver said: “It was immediately apparent that the house was chaotic.
“There were personal belongings all over and the floor was littered with beer cans and rubbish. Several internal doors were off their hinges and leaning against walls which made walking around very difficult.
(Image: RSPCA)
“There were multiple vivariums in the living room, most were empty. One had a dead rat in, which was a dehydrated husk and looked like it had been left in there for a considerable amount of time.
“An enclosure on top of this had a royal python in it. Inspector Green handled the snake and noted she was very cold to the touch.
“The heat source was not working properly or had just been turned on and had not had the chance to warm up. Once the snake felt the heat, she was seen to curl herself around it.
(Image: RSPCA)
“There were three black cats, one tortoiseshell cat and a 12-week-old long-haired tabby kitten. There were two dogs kept upstairs secured behind a makeshift barrier.
“One was a wire haired lurcher called Dexter and the other was a Corgi/Jack Russell cross puppy called Luka.”
In addition to the disqualification order, Willis and Olds were each fined £90 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £36 and costs of £500. In mitigation, the court was told the couple both had poor mental health.
Speaking after sentencing, Inspector Cleaver said: “None of these animals had been given even the basics and were living in unsanitary conditions which were wholly unsuitable.
“We all have a responsibility to the animals we take on and that includes providing them with a clean and comfortable environment, adequate nutrition and fresh drinking water. I’m pleased the animals have all made a good recovery, and we can now start the process of finding them loving new homes.”