Ban for woman who kept 27 dogs in cages
A woman who kept dogs in appalling conditions has been banned from keeping animals for five years.
Magistrates heard how Sara Williams, from Broseley, kept dogs in cages that were filthy, contaminated with faeces and smelled of ammonia.
Some dogs had to be put down by the RSPCA while others were treated and rehomed.
The 54-year-old had previously admitted eight charges of neglect of dogs at her home in Elizabeth Crescent. She was told by magistrates in Telford yesterday that she would not be able to appeal the length of the ban for two years.
The eight charges, which related to a one-year period from September 12 2011, involved 27 dogs kept in locked cages around her home.
One of the charges was that she caused unnecessary suffering to a female springer spaniel by failing to do anything about her weight. The dog weighed 35kg when it was seized by the RSPCA, but lost 11kg once it was cared for properly.
Mr Roger Price, for the RSPCA, said the dogs were locked up, causing them to have skin problems.
Mr Shaun Smith, for Williams, who was tearful throughout yesterday's hearing, said she was known as someone who rescued dogs.
He said: "She realised she had too many but she could not say no to these dogs." Mr Smith said Williams still owed more than £2,000 in vets bills from trying to look after the animals.
Mr Raymond Soper, chair of the bench, said: "The bench feel this is not a case of deliberate animal cruelty and she has been taken advantage of. However, we are aware of the appalling conditions the animals had to suffer."
Williams was also ordered to pay £800 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
