A Briton Ferry man has been banned from keeping animals for seven years after three cats and two kittens were found living among rubbish and hazards in his flat.
Jordan Brian Saunders, 29, of Victoria Street, appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 3 June after pleading guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
He admitted failing to meet the needs of three cats — Arianna, Carlos and Cole — and two kittens, by not providing them with a suitable environment.
Saunders was disqualified from keeping all animals for seven years, handed a 12-month community order with up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity, and ordered to pay a £200 fine and £400 costs.
An order was also made for any further animals in his possession to be taken into the care of the RSPCA.
(Image: RSPCA)
The court heard RSPCA officers had attended Saunders’ home several times before Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Black visited on 14 January this year to check on the animals’ welfare.
“Through the letterbox and gaps in the windows I became concerned once again for the living conditions of the animals,” she said in a written statement to the court.
“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.”
When Saunders failed to answer the door, police were called for assistance — and he initially refused to allow access before agreeing to a visit two days later.
Returning with animal rescue officer Paula Milton on 16 January, DCI Black said she was “overwhelmed with the smell”.
“There was an awful smell of ammonia that was affecting my nose and eyes from within the front room,” she said. “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.”
(Image: RSPCA)
Saunders signed three of the cats over to the RSPCA, while Arianna and Carlos were taken into possession by police. A vet told the court all five animals were in good body condition, but said the living situation was “not a suitable one for the cats”.
“Despite the warning and advice given previously, the owner has failed in their duty of care by failing to provide for the animals’ needs,” the vet added.
The court heard in mitigation that Saunders was remorseful and regrets his actions.
There was a happy ending for the animals — the kittens and one-year-old Cole have been rehomed, while Arianna, nine, and three-year-old Carlos have now been signed over to the RSPCA and will also find new homes.
Following sentencing, DCI Black said: “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.”
