A woman from Hyde has been handed a ten-year disqualification from keeping animals after her pet rabbit was found dead from prolonged malnutrition. Sara Holland, 28, received the disqualification order at Tameside Magistrates Court on February 8, following her conviction in her absence for two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The distressing incident came to light when the RSPCA received concerns about the welfare of the young female Lionhead rabbit, named Bing, at Holland’s Garden Street property in Hyde. RSPCA Inspector Beth Fazackerley discovered Bing in a filthy hutch devoid of food or water.
During the court proceedings, Inspector Fazackerley recounted the grim scene, stating that the hutch, located a mere meter from the rear door, contained an empty water bottle and an assortment of waste. The lifeless rabbit, lying on its side, was found surrounded by faecal matter on the bare wooden floor.
Holland claimed to have discovered Bing dead the previous evening, assuming the cause to be a heart attack, possibly induced by a recent scare from one of her dogs. Despite Holland’s assertions, Inspector Fazackerley insisted on a vet examination to determine the true cause of death.
The vet’s examination revealed Bing’s distressing condition, with a body score of one out of five, indicating severe malnutrition. The post-mortem further highlighted chronic muscle loss, unhygienic living conditions evidenced by soiling and skin thickening, and a stomach devoid of digestible material.
Holland, facing the Animal Welfare Act charges, avoided multiple attempts by Inspector Fazackerley to discuss the case, eventually declining any interview on the matter. In addition to the decade-long animal disqualification, Holland received a 12-month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a £120 fine.
The court considered Holland’s mental health issues and past relationship troubles, emphasizing the severity of the case and the responsibility of pet owners to ensure the well-being of their animals.
