8:40am Saturday 6th June 2009
A COUPLE have been banned from owning animals after they allowed a rabbit to starve to death in their garden.
Paul and Nicola Wayman, 26 and 24, of Reading Street, West Cornforth, County Durham, yesterday pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two rabbits in September and October last year.
Bishop Auckland Magistrates’ Court heard the pets weighed half their ideal weight when RSPCA officers called at their former address in Shafto Street, Byers Green, on October 14.
A neighbour reported their emaciated state after seeing them in the garden. One was later found to be dead.
Kevin Campbell, for the RSPCA, said: “Their condition could have easily been prevented.
“They were in extreme suffering due to intense thirst and hunger because of neglect.”
Andrew Clinton, mitigating, said the couple were preparing to move house and were distracted by work commitments and their children.
He said: “These two people have never been before the court before and are extremely upset about it. They are very remorseful.
“The rabbits were bought for the children but, just after that, Mr Wayman got a job which entailed him working an enormous amount of hours.
“Mrs Wayman had her hands full as well, with two young children.”
Paul Wayman, who accepted he had more responsibility for the animals, was fined £115 and ordered to pay £150 costs.
His wife was fined £80 and £100 costs.
Both were banned from owning animals for two years.
Chairwoman of the bench Lynette Harrison said: “A puppy is not just for Christmas, it is for life, and the same goes with any other animal.
“I understand that you had other things on your mind, but that is no excuse really.
Animals cannot speak for themselves.”
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