A couple who were banned from keeping animals were caught out breaking the order by having at least two dogs.
Rajeshwari Cameron, 56, and her husband Adrian Cameron, 62, were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to their pet dog Lucy by the RSPCA in June 2009. As a result, they were banned on conviction under section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from owning or having any control of any animal for 10 years.
However, in September 2020 council officers were investigating Mr and Mrs Cameron, who now lived at Reddington Drive, Slough, in relation to complaints the council had received about their care and treatment of their then current dog Lila.
As a result of that investigation the council became aware and confirmed via witness statements and veterinary records that Mr and Mrs Cameron had owned at least two other dogs during the period of the ban they had received in 2009.
Between March 2018 and June 2019 both Mr and Mrs Cameron had owned a dog named Latte which was put to sleep by a vet for undetermined causes, and a dog named Archie, which they subsequently sold. Ownership of both these dogs during this period clearly breached the 2009 ban.
Both Mr and Mrs Cameron appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 21 February. They had previously pleaded guilty, on 6 January, to two charges each of breaching a disqualification order relating to Latte and Archie contrary to section 34(9) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
During sentencing, District Judge Goozee stated he was satisfied that both Mr and Mrs Cameron fully understood the terms of their original 2009 ban and that both of them had control and responsibility for Latte and Archie during the period they were banned from owning or having control of animals, and gave acknowledgement for their early guilty plea.
The couple were sentenced to a conditional discharge for three years, disqualified from keeping any animals for eight years, charged costs of £140 each and a £20 victim surcharge each.
Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “Banning orders are put in place for a reason, in this case to protect the welfare of animals. It is disappointing the couple broke the initial order, but hopefully this time they will understand the gravity of the situation and abide by the law. Well done to the team involved, neighbours for reporting concerns and to the police for their help.”
Their current dog, Lila, which had been in the care of the council since September 2020, was awarded to the council and has been safely rehomed.