Jail for Ramsey couple who starved animals at their home

Michelle Bailey (41) and David Chapman (43) subjected their six animals – a female pug type dog, a male labrador type dog, a male cane corso type dog, a female Siamese type cat, a female and a male black and white kittens – to suffering.

The RSPCA were called to the property at The Avenue, Ramsey, by police, who were attending the home on an unrelated matter.

When an RSPCA officer arrived the police had placed the three dogs in their vehicle. All the dogs were underweight and their ribs were visible.

The police were at the property executing a warrant and therefore the RSPCA was unable to enter the house, but was provided video evidence of inside the property which was extremely cluttered with large amounts of belongings all over the floor. Additionally, there were large amounts of what appeared to be faeces present throughout.

Based on the evidence which was reviewed by a vet the police were then able to seize three cats which were underweight.

The animals were taken to a vet for an initial examination and later transferred into private boarding facilities.

They were then examined by another vet who stated in their report that there was no evidence of any underlying medical issues causing the weight loss and emaciation and that could only have been due to inadequate intake of calories.

The vet said that in their professional opinion “all six animals in this case have been suffering for at least two weeks from starvation. This would have resulted in feelings of extreme hunger, weakness nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and pain.

“The three dogs were obviously very thin and it would be reasonable to expect an owner to be concerned and either change feeding habits or seek veterinary attention - but that did not happen.”

The vet also stated that two of the cats had been suffering from a flea infestation and secondary skin infection for at least two weeks. The third cat had notable fur loss which would have been obvious and a reasonable owner would have sought veterinary attention upon seeing the changes in coat and the scabs on the skin.

RSPCA Inspector Dean Astillberry who investigated the case said after the hearing: “As an RSPCA Inspector with 30 years experience it is clear to me that these dogs were living in circumstances that were likely to cause them suffering The poor environment that the cats were living in would have an equally negative effect on their welfare.

“It was clear on the police video that the living environment that these animals were forced to live in was not conducive to good welfare. The floor was littered with animal faeces and household items which present a hazard to both the dogs and the cats.

“The dogs were all underweight and their dietary needs were clearly not being met.

“We are grateful to the police for all their support during this investigation and I am pleased to say that all the animals are doing well in RSPCA care with some having been rehomed. “

In mitigation the court heard both defendants said they suffered with their mental health.

The pair had each previously pleaded guilty to three offences of failing to meet the welfare needs of six animals; a female pug type dog, a male labrador type dog, a male cane corso type dog, a female Siamese type cat, a female and a male black and white kittens; by failing to meet the need for a suitable diet, failing to provide adequate veterinary treatment for flea infestations and/or skin disease and failing to meet their need for a suitable environment.

They are currently serving time in prison for unrelated offences the court sentenced Chapman to 18 weeks in prison (with an additional 14 days for activation of an existing Suspended Sentence Order) and Bailey to 16 weeks imprisonment. They were both ordered to pay £154 victim surcharge.