Scottish SPCA

Three year ban for rabbit neglect

The Scottish SPCA has welcomed the conviction of an Alloa man who kept his pet rabbits and hamsters in filthy conditions at his rubbish filled home. Warning you may find the photographs distressing.

Graeme Robertson, 32, residing at Mary Stevenson Drive at the time of the offence, pled guilty to the charge of failing to ensure the welfare of seven rabbits and two hamsters under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (Scotland) 2006 at Alloa Sherriff Court on Thursday (12 August).

He received a three year ban on keeping or owning animals.

One of the rabbits and both of the hamsters were found dead at his property when our inspectors were called to investigate after a neighbour reported a foul smell and flies coming from the premises.

On entry inspectors found the hallway to be filled with rabbit faeces, reaching up to four inches deep in places. Most of the rabbits roamed the house freely while one was contained in the bedroom and had died. Two cages were discovered in the kitchen, one containing the carcases of two hamsters.

Inspector Leanne McPake, who led the investigation, said, "Conditions inside the premises can only be described as disgusting and completely unsanitary.

"We were met with a horrendous stench of ammonia when we entered the property and I have never before witnessed such filthy conditions in an occupied home.

"Obviously our concerns were for the animals living in this environment, but it's also worrying that the accused was living there as well, apparently oblivious to the severity of the situation.

"We are pleased that the accused has received a three year ban on keeping animals, but in cases of animal neglect such as this we are always looking for a life time ban to ensure no animals have to live in these sorts of conditions ever again."

View video evidence of the conditions inside the property here (warning you may find the content distressing).

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