United Kingdom: Horrifying scenes as vet keeps huskies in squalid cellar hidden under carpet

UNITED KINGDOM -- A vet and his assistant have been found guilty of animal cruelty offences after police found dogs locked in cages in a filthy "pitch-black dungeon" at their practice.

Gary Samuel and Rochelle McEwan were charged after officers discovered around 30 dogs and cats in the back room, living quarters and basement of Armley Vets, on Town Street, in Armley, Leeds.

Samuel, 49, and McEwan, 28, were each convicted of six offences under the Animal Welfare Act at Leeds Magistrates' Court, the RSPCA said.

 

The animals were living in "appalling" conditions with no access to food or water, a spokeswoman said.

Most of the dogs - mainly husky-types - were found in the faeces-covered basement, accessed by a trap door that had been covered by carpet.

 

After the animals were found on February 24 last year, 22 dogs and eight cats were removed, one cat was put to sleep on site after collapsing and four dogs were later put to sleep on veterinary advice.

Nikki Cheetham, an RSPCA inspector, said: "You think you've seen it all in this job and then you get a call like this.

"Police attended on another matter and found the animals in cages in a back room, the vet's living quarters and a basement, accessed by a trap door that had been covered by carpet.

"That's where most of the dogs were found - living in cages in a pitch-black dungeon. It was filthy, there was faeces everywhere and they had no access to food or water.

 

"Most of the cats were shut in one room, which was also covered with excrement."

She added: "The condition of these animals and the way in which they were being kept was appalling.

"This situation was made even more shocking when you consider that those people responsible are in a position of trust. People who work in the veterinary profession are the first port of call if an animal needs help.

"It is unthinkable to consider what was going on in this surgery as clients were coming and going, paying their vet fees."

 

All of the dogs were signed over to the RSPCA, except four which are in the care of the animal charity pending sentencing, and 15 dogs and six cats have since been rehomed.

After a five-day trial in December, Samuel, of Western Road, Southall, Middlesex, and McEwan, of Stonecliffe Close, Leeds, were both found guilty on Thursday of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of the animals.

They will be sentenced at Leeds Magistrates' Court on February 12.

(The Star UK - Jan 22, 2016)