Animal ban for woman who neglected dogs and chickens

A woman who neglected dogs and chickens has been banned from keeping animals for a decade.

Christina Alice Donkin (date of birth: 10.06.1958), of Troon, near Cambourne, Cornwall, was sentenced to the animal ban after pleading guilty to two animal welfare offences.

RSPCA officers were called after Donkin, who had been in hospital for two days, contacted social services to say she had a number of animals home alone with nobody to attend them. 

Upon arrival, it became clear animals were struggling in unsuitable conditions. Rescuers from the charity navigated the cluttered property, which had animal faeces covering the floors, to help the animals inside.

Inside they found multiple cages housing chickens. Badly decomposing bodies and skeletal remains were found in some of the cages. Nine chickens were rescued and removed, along with the bodies of dead birds. Two dogs, a female cream-coloured saluki and a male tricolour saluki, were also taken for veterinary care.

The vet found that they had severe dental issues with rotten teeth and were covered in fleas with overgrown claws. Both dogs were underweight and withdrawn. Both dogs had extensive dental work including multiple extractions. They received pain medication and antibiotics.

The chickens were found to be underweight with lumps of faeces on their feet which caused some to struggle to walk. One chicken, who was emaciated and constantly shaking her head, had to be put to sleep by the vet.

Alongside the ten-year animal ban, which she can't appeal for eight years, she was also fined £100 for each offence and ordered to pay £400 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The dogs and chickens were also signed over into the care of the RSPCA for rehoming.

In mitigation, she said she is now working with the mental health team and has been rehomed in supported accommodation.

RSPCA Inspector Jim Farr, who helped the animals to safety, said: "Animals deserve to live healthy lives in appropriate surroundings with the right care. They are reliant on owners to be given everything they need to survive. We’d plead to anyone who is struggling to cope with the care of their pets to reach out and ask for the help they need. 

"Sadly, these animals were badly neglected and were confined within a space that severely compromised their health and welfare."