A couple who kept 76 animals in appalling conditions in a two-bed flat have been handed a lifetime ban.
Scottish SPCA inspectors found dogs, cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, gerbils, a parrot and various small birds all living in John and Victoria Symons' property in Aberdeenshire during raids.
John, 41, previously pled guilty to numerous charges of causing unnecessary suffering to several of their animals and failing to ensure the welfare of all animals under their care at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. His 36-year-old wife, Victoria, pled guilty to one charge on 24 November 2022.
As well as the lifetime ban from owning or keeping animals, the couple were sentenced with community payback order and a 12-month supervision order.
During searches of the property, animal welfare officers found cats were found hidden within pet carriers in cupboards and kittens found under dirty laundry. The animals were found to be living in their own excrement and in poor health.
SSPCA staff described the smell coming from the flat as "horrendous" and could be smelled from the communal landing.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Fiona McKenzie, said: “I tried on several occasions to work with John and Victoria Symons in relation to their animals. Initially a number of animals were removed, reducing them to an acceptable number of two dogs and two cats. Both the Symons disregarded advice given and continued to accumulate multiple animals.
“On searches of the property cats were found hidden within pet carriers in cupboards and kittens found under dirty laundry.
“The smell within the property was horrendous due to the amount of animal’s excrement. It was so bad it could be smelt in the communal landing. These animals were extremely stressed and in ill health due to such poor living conditions."
They SSPCA investigation proved the Symons' failed to provide necessary veterinary treatment resulting in suffering. The animals were not provided with a suitable or clean living environment which preventing them to exhibit normal behaviour, and they weren't provided with a suitable diet. The charity said they failed to protect their animals from suffering, injury and disease.
“I was extremely disappointed with the owners in this case of neglect as we made every effort to try and help the couple initially," Fiona added. " The continuing neglect and suffering being caused to animals resulted in a case reported to the procurator fiscal.
“The Symons could have easily prevented their animals from suffering by providing adequate nutrition and seeking veterinary treatment for their medical conditions.
“I feel the lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals handed to both John and Victoria Symons on February 22 is a justified outcome for the suffering these animals had to endure.
“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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