Dogs locked in cramped cages at Broseley woman's home

Sara Williams broke down in tears as the charges against her were read out at the town's magistrates court yesterday.

She admitted eight charges of neglect of dogs at her home in Elizabeth Crescent.

Eight further charges against the 54-year-old were dismissed after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Sentencing was adjourned for probation, psychiatric and physiological reports to be prepared.

One of the charges was that Williams caused unnecessary suffering to a female springer spaniel by failing to do anything about her weight.

The dog weighed 35kg when it was seized by the RSPCA, but lost 11kg once it was cared for properly.

Roger Price, for the RSPCA, said: "Clearly that weight loss was attainable with proper control.

"She did attempt to change its food but she went for a cheaper option and the dog didn't lose weight.

"She said it was a scavenger and was fed with others, so it was able to get to the bowls of others."

Mr Price said there were about 30 dogs in the house altogether, with many kept in cramped cages.

He said that because the dogs were shut in for too long they were forced to go to the toilet in their cages and sit in the mess.

Williams also admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to five lurcher-cross puppies by failing to seek veterinary help for skin scalds, and two of causing suffering to two Staffordshire bull terriers by failing to get proper care for their conditions.

The other charges related to failing to provide proper living conditions for 27 dogs.

Mr Price said: "The defendant also lived with her disabled and bed-ridden mother upstairs and was her carer.

"It was an uphill struggle for her to be able to get anywhere near being able to cope."

Mr Shaun Smith, for Williams, said she had been seen by a psychiatrist and had physiological problems as well.

He asked for sentencing to be adjourned for full reports to be compiled.