Michelle Bailey and David Chapman, both currently in prison for unrelated offences, were handed additional jail time and a lifetime animal ban after the RSPCA rescued six emaciated pets from their Ramsey home.
Bailey, 39, and Chapman, 43, both of HMP Peterborough, were sentenced at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on October 22 after admitting multiple animal welfare offences.
The pair pleaded guilty to three counts each of failing to meet the welfare needs of six animals – three dogs and three cats – under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
They were found to have neglected a female pug-type dog, a male Labrador-type dog, a male Cane Corso-type dog, a female Siamese-type cat, and two black and white kittens.
Bailey received a 16-week prison sentence, while Chapman was given 18 weeks, plus an extra 14 days for the activation of a suspended sentence. Both were ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and were banned from keeping animals for life, with the disqualification applying “until further order.”
The couple are already serving time for unrelated offences.
Police discovered the animals during unrelated visit
The case began in September 2024, when Cambridgeshire police attended the couple’s home on The Avenue, Ramsey, for an unrelated matter.
Officers discovered three dogs and three cats in poor physical condition and immediately contacted the RSPCA for assistance.
When RSPCA Inspector Dean Astillberry arrived, police had already placed the dogs in a vehicle for their own safety. All three were visibly underweight, with their ribs protruding.
Because police were executing a separate warrant, the RSPCA could not enter the property. However, officers provided video footage of the inside of the home, showing rooms filled with clutter and what appeared to be animal faeces across the floors.
Following veterinary advice, police seized the three cats, which were also in poor health and severely underweight.
“Extreme hunger, weakness and pain”
The animals were taken to a vet for examination and later moved to private boarding facilities for ongoing care.
A veterinary report found that all six animals were suffering from starvation and flea infestations. There were no medical conditions that could have caused the weight loss — the vet concluded it was due to a lack of food and proper care.
In their report, the vet said: “All six animals in this case have been suffering for at least two weeks from starvation. This would have resulted in feelings of extreme hunger, weakness, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and pain.”
The report added that the dogs’ thin appearance “would have been obvious” and that a reasonable owner should have sought veterinary advice or adjusted their feeding routine.
Two of the cats were also suffering from severe flea infestations and skin infections that had been left untreated for weeks, while a third cat had significant fur loss and scabbing.
“A living environment likely to cause suffering”
Inspector Astillberry, who investigated the case for the RSPCA, said it was clear that the animals were living in distressing and dangerous conditions.
“As an RSPCA Inspector with 30 years of experience, it was clear to me that these dogs were living in circumstances likely to cause them suffering,” he said.
“The poor environment the cats were forced to live in would have had an equally negative effect on their welfare.”
He described the footage as “disturbing,” showing floors covered in faeces and piles of household items creating hazards for the animals.
“The dogs were all underweight, and their dietary needs were clearly not being met,” he added.
Inspector Astillberry thanked Cambridgeshire police for their assistance and confirmed that all six animals have since recovered under RSPCA care.
“I’m pleased to say all of the animals are doing well, with some already rehomed into loving families,” he said.
Mental health cited in mitigation
The court heard in mitigation that both defendants suffer from mental health issues, which were taken into consideration during sentencing.
However, magistrates said the level of neglect and suffering caused to the animals was too severe for anything other than immediate custody.
Both Bailey and Chapman admitted:
- Failing to provide a suitable diet of adequate nutritional value
- Failing to protect the animals from pain, suffering, injury or disease by not seeking veterinary treatment
- Failing to provide a suitable living environment
The offences occurred “on and before 23 September 2024” at the couple’s former address in Ramsey.
Lifetime animal ban welcomed
As well as their prison terms, the pair were disqualified from keeping animals for life. Such lifetime bans can only be lifted by a court after a significant period and if the offenders can prove they are fit to care for animals again.
Animal welfare advocates have welcomed the outcome, saying it sends a clear message about the seriousness of pet neglect.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This case highlights the importance of reporting concerns about animal welfare. Thanks to the swift response from police and our officers, these animals were rescued from further suffering and given a second chance at life.”
What to do if you suspect animal cruelty
The RSPCA continues to urge the public to report concerns about animal neglect or cruelty by calling its cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
