Father and daughter banned from keeping animals for two years after pets found living in squalor

Inspectors discovered ‘matted’ dogs and one German Shepherd had to be put down

A man and his daughter have been banned from keeping animals for two years after RSPCA inspectors discovered pets being kept in squalor.


The conditions in Paul and Carol Farnsworth’s home were so bad it made animal welfare officials’ eyes ‘water’.

The stench of faeces and ammonia was so extreme it affected inspectors’ breathing when they arrived at the premises in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Squalor: The stench of faeces and ammonia was so extreme it made inspectors’ eyes ‘water’

Eight rabbits, seven dogs, a puppy, two budgies and a cat were all found inside the filthy house. RSPCA officials also discovered three dead rabbits and a sick pony kept in nearby Heaton Park, the Daily Mail reports.

Paul, 61, and his 24-year-old daughter Carol admitted failing to ensure the needs of animals were met and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

The Farnsworths became known to the RSPCA when animal welfare officials received reports of a ‘dull and depressed’ pony with a hoof condition at Heaton Park in June 2012.

Vets confirmed the animals were ‘at risk’ from the filthy conditions

Eight months later, RSPCA inspectors accompanied police when they visited the property following reports of a dog bite.

Anna McDonald, prosecuting, told Bury magistates’ court: ’As soon as the door opened the inspectors could smell a foul odour coming from inside the property.

‘The house was in a filthy state and the smell of faeces and ammonia was so extreme that it made the inspectors’ eyes water and their breathing became uncomfortable.’

The filthy conditions even affected inspectors’ breathing

Officials found rabbit faeces littering the floor, ‘matted’ dogs and budgies in a ‘small, dirty’ cage. One German shepherd had to be put down and vets confirmed the animals were ‘at risk’ from the filthy conditions.

Both father and daughter were given six-month community rehabilitation orders and banned from keeping any animals for two years.