A Briton Ferry man has been disqualified from keeping animals for seven years after his pet cats were found living in mounds of rubbish in a “filthy” flat.
Neglect of cats uncovered
Jordan Brian Saunders, aged 29, admitted failing to meet the needs of three cats called Arianna, Carlos, and Cole, and two kittens, by not providing them with a suitable environment. RSPCA officers attended Saunders' flat in Victoria Street, Briton Ferry, on several occasions. In January this year, the charity's deputy chief inspector Gemma Black went to the property to check on the cats.
Ms Black said: “Through the letterbox and gaps in the windows I became concerned once again for the living conditions of the animals. As I looked through the letterbox I saw two small black kittens playing amongst rubbish on the floor. I saw empty dishes, no food or water, and rubbish all over the floor. I also saw a white and black cat who I believed to be Arianna sitting on a sofa that was filled with rubbish. There was a very poor smell coming from inside the flat. At the back door of the property, in the window, I saw a tabby and white cat which I believed to be the previously-mentioned cat named Cole. He appeared bright and alert but the window sill he was sitting on was filthy dirty. Through a gap in the window I saw that the area I could see of the front room was again full of rubbish and hazards.”
Police assistance required
According to the RSPCA, Saunders did not answer his phone and did not engage when doors and windows were knocked, so a call to the police was made for assistance. Ms Black described the conditions: “There was an awful smell of ammonia that was affecting my nose and eyes from within the front room. Loose in the living room I saw the two previously-seen adult cats Arianna and Carlos as well as two small black kittens who were playing amongst the rubbish. Mr Saunders told me Cole was also in the living room but was hiding, likely under the sofa. The floor was bare hard concrete and was stained with dirt and grime. Areas of the floor were clear but other areas were full of rubbish, hazards, and animal waste.” She added that Saunders had provided a litter tray, food, and water for the cats.
Cats taken into care
Mr Saunders agreed to sign over three of his cats into the care of the RSPCA. The other two cats – Arianna and Carlos – were taken into possession by police. In a written statement, a vet said that Arianna was aged nine and in good body condition but was found to have a heart murmur currently causing no health issues. Carlos, a three-year-old, was also in good body condition but was found to have mild gingivitis by his back teeth. Cole, aged one, was in good body condition with no obvious health conditions. The kittens were nine weeks old and were in good body condition. The vet said that the living situation was “not a suitable one for the cats” to be kept in it. He added: “Despite the warning and advice given previously the owner has failed in their duty of care by failing to provide for the animals' needs.”
Rehoming and sentencing
The kittens and Cole were happily rehomed, and Arianna and Carlos have been signed over into the care of the RSPCA and will be rehomed. Saunders appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court last week for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act. He was banned from keeping any animals for a period of seven years and ordered to undertake a community order for 12 months and complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also ordered to pay a £200 fine and £400 in costs. In mitigation, the court heard that Saunders was remorseful and regrets his actions.
RSPCA comment
Following sentencing, Ms Black said: “We’d like to thank everyone involved including the police for their help and assistance here. We always try to work with owners and deal through advice and education and there is often a lot of prevention work carried out. Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and if you are responsible for a pet you must make sure all their welfare needs are met.”
