CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #9428 Rating: 2.0 out of 5
Hoarding - 21 guinea pigs seized, 8 , cannibalized
Cambridge, EN (UK)Incident Date: Sunday, Jul 31, 2005
Disposition: Convicted
Defendants/Suspects:
» Alison Smith
» Paul Smith
Pet owners have been found guilty of animal cruelty after letting guinea pigs get so hungry they began eating each other.
The starving pets resorted to cannibalism after being left without food or water for up to two weeks, Cambridge Magistrates' Court heard.
Paul and Alison Smith had both denied six charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
During day two of the hearing yesterday (Friday, 28 July), both offered elaborate conspiracy theories as possible explanations for the shocking state the guinea pigs were found in by the RSPCA.
The couple have separated since the raid on their home in West Street, Chatteris, last August where RSPCA inspectors seized 21 guinea pigs - eight of which were dead.
Both said they believed they were set up by people who held a grudge against them and claimed those people could have introduced poorly guinea pigs to hutches before anonymously tipping off the RSPCA. However, they could offer no proof to substantiate their claims.
Alison Smith, now of Fairway, Chatteris, told the court: "For the past four years, I have taken in sick and unwanted guinea pigs and tried to nurse them back to health. I did the best I could for my pets."
She said she had acquired the guinea pigs from residents in the area who could not care for them.
At the time the 34-year-old was also looking after a horse, kitten and numerous other pets.
On August 23, Alison Smith said she left West Street following an argument with her husband and entrusted him to look after the animals for three days.
Paul Smith, 41, said: "To be honest, I didn't know any of the guinea pigs were ill. I fed and watered them - while she was away I found out one of them had died but it happens."
When the RSPCA arrived on August 26, some pets were found with parts missing, while one had almost all of its flesh gnawed away. Two corpses were found in a feed bag.
David Gillett, presiding magistrate, told Alison Smith: "There was so much going on in your life that the care of the animals fell below an acceptable standard."
Paul Smith was also criticised for not providing enough food or water.
Alison Smith was found guilty of four charges of animal cruelty and given an 18-month conditional discharge.
She was ordered to pay £400 costs.
The remaining guinea pigs were also officially confiscated and she was banned from keeping any more guinea pigs for 18 months.
Paul Smith was found guilty of two counts of animal cruelty and handed a 12-month conditional discharge and told to pay £250 costs.
After the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Clare Procter said: "I am very pleased with the outcome.
"This case highlights the husbandry needed for small pet animals."
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