News from around the county Pair banned from keeping animals
A couple who kept a terrier tethered to a chain which was embedded in faeces and frozen by ice have been banned from keeping animals for life.
David Lee, 51, and Lydia Lee, 54, of The Oaks, Radfall Ride, Whitstable, were charged with causing unnecessary suffering by failing to investigate and address the cause of her poor body condition and weight loss.
They were also charged with keeping the terrier, named Frances, in the filthy kennel which had a sodden carpet and no bedding or dry lying place.
Mr Lee was charged with possession of live wild birds – 12 goldfinches and a redpoll – as well as intentionally taking wild birds and possessing traps.
They appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court last week.
RSPCA Inspector Carroll Lamport arrived at the property in January following an investigation of wild bird trapping and keeping.
He said: “This was a very nasty case of a deliberate act of longterm cruelty as the trapping of birds is a planned act, and this was coupled with the long-term neglect of the pitiful little dog that I found in filthy, wet and frozen conditions.”
Lydia Lee was sentenced to 12 weeks prison, suspended for two years, and a 12-week curfew. She was also ordered to pay £415.
David Lee was sentenced to 18 weeks prison, suspended for two years, an 18-week curfew and must pay £865.