Christina Alice Donkin, Troon, Camborne – kept two dogs and nine chickens in a faeces-ridden house with the corpses of dead birds.
RSPCA officers were called to Donkin’s home after she had spent two days in hospital and called social services to say she had a number of animals home alone with nobody to attend to them.
The rescue team navigated the cluttered property and found nine live chickens alongside the bodies of dead ones. Two saluki dogs were taken for veterinary treatment where it was found they were riddled with fleas and had severe dental issues. Both dogs were underweight and withdrawn.
Some of the chickens were struggling to walk as they were found to be underweight with lumps of faeces on their feet. One chicken, who was emaciated and constantly shaking her head, had to be put to sleep by the vet.
The dogs and chickens were signed over to the care of the RSPCA for rehoming.
The court heard in mitigation that Donkin had been rehomed in supported accommodation and was receiving mental health assistance.
RSPCA inspector Jim Farr, who helped the animals to safety, said: “Animals deserve to live healthy lives in appropriate surroundings with the right care. They are reliant on owners to be given everything they need to survive. We’d plead to anyone who is struggling to cope with the care of their pets to reach out and ask for the help they need.
“Sadly, these animals were badly neglected and were confined within a space that severely compromised their health and welfare.”
Sentenced – fined £100 for each offence and ordered to pay £400 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. 10-year animal ban, which she can appeal after eight years (expires May 2035).