A man was banned for life from keeping animals after the carcasses of more than 30 starved birds were found in an aviary at his home.
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that Julian Rous, of Mill Road, Maldon, told RSPCA inspectors he had "lost interest" in the birds, and despite noticing some of the birds were dying because of a lack of food and water, had done nothing about it.
The court heard the birds would have suffered a long, drawn-out death because of their treatment.
Rous, 35, appeared at court for sentencing after earlier admitting four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals between February 6 and 20.
During an interview, Rous said he had lost interest in the birds because the aviary had been broken into, the court heard. Rous, who was not represented, said he was very sorry.
He said: "I know I should have known better. I have known how to keep them in the past but after the bird aviary being broken into over the last couple of years I just let slip the conditions I was keeping them in."
As well as the life ban, Rous was given an 120-hour community punishment order and ordered to pay £650 costs.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article