Seventeen pets found in ‘squalid’ property filled with urine bottles and faeces

A couple from Briton Ferry have been banned from keeping animals for a decade after several pets were found in a ‘squalid’ property filled with urine bottles and faeces.

Fifteen cats and two dogs found at the property in Groves Road.

Robert Roy Rickman and Ceri Ann Rickman, both of Parc Newydd, Briton Ferry, had both previously admitted causing unnecessary suffering to 15 domestic cats, and failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of two dogs were met.

Two dogs - one brindle lurcher and a collie-cross - were also living at the home.

Officers discovered human and animal faeces, urine-filled plastic bottles, mess sprawled across rooms and an overpowering smell.

The RSPCA inspector who found the animals said they were in some of the 'worst conditions' he had seen.

Both were given a ten-year ban on keeping all animals and a community order at Swansea Magistrates' Court.

They were each told to pay costs of £300, in addition to a victim surcharge of £85.

All animals were signed into the RSPCA's care, rehabilitated and sent to animal centres across England and Wales for rehoming.