Animal ban for man who kept golden eagle in kitchen

A man has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after keeping a golden eagle in a dirty kitchen.

The RSPCA was called to the property in Pembroke in January this year after reports that an eagle had been found in inappropriate conditions.

Adam Smith, 54, from Billesley in Birmingham, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act at Llanelli Magistrates Court.

As well as the ban, he was ordered to pay a £73 fine, a £60 victim surcharge and £200 costs. He was also given a 12-month community order.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “This was an extremely unique case as you certainly don’t expect to see a golden eagle in someone’s kitchen. It was the craziest thing I have ever seen. It is totally unthinkable.

“The conditions that the golden eagle were kept in were not suitable by any means. There were bags full of rubbish scattered over the floor and the bird was unable to spread her wings in all directions in what was a dark, alien environment.

“She had been kept in disgusting conditions that were totally unsuitable for any animal, let alone a golden eagle.

“Golden eagles require very specialist and expert care and members of the public should not be looking after them in their homes.”

The golden eagle, aged around three to four years, is currently in specialist care and is doing well.