Seven-year ban on keeping animals for Sheffield man who kept pets in 'putrid' conditions

The pets included a Dutch herder or German Shepherd type dog, a lurcher, a royal python, a boa constrictor and two leopard geckos.

Squalid conditions in which the pets were kept
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 28th Jan 2025
Last updated 28th Jan 2025

A Sheffield man has been handed a seven year ban on keeping animals, after his pets were kept in 'putrid' conditions inside his home.

54 year old Mark Vines, of Holling Croft, was also handed over £100 in fines and costs after admitting two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The RSPCA were called in on June 5 last year, when fire officers dealing with the impact of flooding at a block of flats found six animals living in filthy conditions.

The pets included a Dutch herder or German Shepherd type dog, a lurcher, a royal python, a boa constrictor and two leopard geckos.

In a witness statement to court, RSPCA Inspector Kim Greaves said:: “I entered the flat, the smell was awful, clearly there had been faeces and debris already on the floor and staircase but due to the flood this had congealed into a putrid foul smelling slurry oozing down the steps, as I ascended the stairs, the smell intensified.”.

One of the geckos rescued from the flat

“It was very uncomfortable to be in the environment.”

Both dogs were found to be underweight and covered in faeces. The snakes were not able to shed their skin properly and had no source of heat of UV light - both essential to keep the creatures healthy.

The geckos were found to be severely underweight, potentially due to a lack of feeding.

Their housing was also "dirty, unkempt and entirely unsuitable", without a heat source or temperature control.

Inspector Greaves said: “It is a pet owner’s legal responsibility to properly look after any animal in their care. These poor dogs, snakes and geckos were living in unsuitable conditions and their welfare needs just weren’t being met.

“For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.”

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