SAMANTHA ANN LERWAY – BRISTOL

❌SAMANTHA ANN LERWAY – BRISTOL❌

A woman has pleaded guilty and been banned from owning animals for ten years after dead and starving cats were found in squalid and disgusting conditions.

Samantha Ann Lerway, 38, of Fairford Crescent, Stoke Lodge, Bristol, pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

Inspector Kim Walters, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, was called to the address after concerns were raised about cats being abandoned by their owner.

Inside live cats were found alongside the bodies of deceased and rotting cats and a rabbit, with numerous cat carcasses in the bathroom, and a half eaten cat carcass in a bedroom.

The home was cluttered with animal faeces and rubbish.

Alongside the ten year disqualification from owning animals, she was sentenced to 18 weeks custody, suspended for two years, and a nine month mental health treatment requirement with 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and a £40 fine.

She was also ordered to pay £400 costs when she was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on August 11.

The surviving cats, who were underweight and had fleas at their time of rescue, were signed over into the care of the RSPCA for rehoming.