Cruel pet owner leaves dogs in dirty, cramped crates without water and bedding

A heartless pet owner kept several dogs confined in soiled, cramped crates without water or bedding.

Peyton McCarry, 30, also left puppies and kittens in unsafe conditions, with litter trays overflowing, an environment which caused the pets to suffer stress and illness. McCarry, who kept the animals in such squalid conditions for years, has now been banned from keeping animals forever following the prosecution by the RSPCA.

She was also handed an 18-month community order with 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and fined £120 with a victim surcharge of £114. RSPCA officers told Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday the catalogue of neglect was heartbreaking.

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McCarry's home in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk stank of urine when the officers inspected it, the court was told. They discovered overflowing litter trays, and dogs stuck in the dirty crates on repeated visits in 2023 and 2024.

Although RSPCA officers warned the woman about the the poor sanitation, lack of veterinary care and the welfare of the dogs and cats, the problems continued and Suffolk Police were contacted. McCarry was arrested and, in court on Friday, she pleaded guilty to criminal offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Seven dogs and five cats were specifically named on charge though the issues were "not limited to" those 12 animals. Natalie Read, an animal rescue officer, said in a statement the conditions in the property were extremely messy with strong ammonia smells and overflowing litter trays.

A veterinary examination showed ear infections in a dog named Bailey and a cat named Shadow, and inflammation of the paws in a dog named Ozzie. In May last year, RSPCA inspectors and Suffolk Police removed a number of dogs and cats, which were taken into RSPCA care. The charity described the dogs as "dirty, nervous and dehydrated."

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McCarry had posted multiple online adverts offering to rehome animals in unsafe and unsuitable conditions. However, the welfare of the animals she did have had been compromised for years, the court was told.

Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Nicky Thorne said: "This case highlighted the full spectrum of work the RSPCA does. The animals in this case were living in chaotic and unsafe conditions.

"Many were experiencing preventable medical conditions and some were at risk due to the overcrowded and unsanitary environment. It is heartbreaking that these animals endured so much unnecessary stress and discomfort.

"Pet ownership is a serious responsibility and if anyone finds themselves struggling, they should seek help from animal welfare organisations before things get too much."