A woman from Camborne has been banned from keeping animals for life after a dog and two cats were rescued from squalid conditions by the RSPCA.

Maria Warren, 53, of Pengegon, was given a lifetime disqualification at Truro Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 24.

She had been found guilty, in her absence, at an earlier hearing and was brought back to the court on warrant for sentencing.

Advice in the form of a warning notice was issued to Warren on the May 3, explaining that the needs of the animals were not being met in respect of their need to live in a suitable environment.

The RSPCA said that advice was not followed and access to the property was denied, leading to further concerns for the welfare of the animals inside.

On June 7, a warrant was executed by the police where two cats, known as Midge and Smudge, and a dog, known as Finlay, were rescued.

Animals were found in these 'awful conditions'

Subsequent examination by a veterinary surgeon concluded that Midge was suffering as he was underweight, with extensive fur loss, scabbing and live fleas.

RSPCA Inspector Paul Kempson said: "The ground floor living room and kitchen were extremely messy with what appeared to be bags of general rubbish covering all of the floor area to a depth of about two feet.

Faeces was found inside the property

"This rubbish was also covered in what appeared to be cat and dog faeces in various places. The kitchen was in a state of complete disarray with rubbish all over the floor, every work surface and the sink was piled high with unwashed dishes.

"Throughout the ground floor there were many hazards for the dog and cats inside the property, including empty dog and cat food tins all over the place.

A cat was found to be in need to veterinary care

"This case highlights how pet owners must follow advice, or seek help and  support if they are struggling to cope with a situation they find themselves in.

"By failing to do this, and by displaying incompetent care, these animals were found in these awful conditions."

Finlay the dog

In mitigation, the court heard that this was well intended but incompetent care and that the neglect of the animals was not deliberate. 

Alongside the disqualification, which can not be appealed for three years, Warren was also ordered to pay £300 costs.