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OAP animal ban after 100 'suffer' OAP animal ban after 100 'suffer'
(about 1 hour later)
A pensioner found guilty of causing suffering to 105 animals has been given a six month suspended jail sentence.A pensioner found guilty of causing suffering to 105 animals has been given a six month suspended jail sentence.
Walford Rogers, who lives in a caravan on land at Cwmbran, Torfaen, was banned from keeping animals for 10 years.Walford Rogers, who lives in a caravan on land at Cwmbran, Torfaen, was banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
The dogs and ferrets had been kept in poorly-built kennels and cages, Newport magistrates heard. But Rogers, 75, still denied any wrong-doing.The dogs and ferrets had been kept in poorly-built kennels and cages, Newport magistrates heard. But Rogers, 75, still denied any wrong-doing.
The RSPCA, which spent £100,000 rehousing the animals, said the case sent a clear signal to the public.The RSPCA, which spent £100,000 rehousing the animals, said the case sent a clear signal to the public.
Rogers was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to 63 dogs and 42 ferrets at Cwmbran magistrates court on 30 November.Rogers was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to 63 dogs and 42 ferrets at Cwmbran magistrates court on 30 November.
He was in breach of an existing ban on keeping animals.He was in breach of an existing ban on keeping animals.
The court had heard that the animals were kept in poorly constructed kennels and cages on his land.The court had heard that the animals were kept in poorly constructed kennels and cages on his land.
'Disregard''Disregard'
Martyn Prowel, prosecuting, said Rogers felt no remorse because he did not believe he had done anything wrong.Martyn Prowel, prosecuting, said Rogers felt no remorse because he did not believe he had done anything wrong.
"The prosecution say the defendant's acts were not just in disregard to the actions of court but also veterinary evidence heard at his trials and re-trials," said Mr Prowel."The prosecution say the defendant's acts were not just in disregard to the actions of court but also veterinary evidence heard at his trials and re-trials," said Mr Prowel.
"The very same observations were made in earlier trials. Mr Walford Rogers feels the animals were well cared for and that there is no need for remorse.""The very same observations were made in earlier trials. Mr Walford Rogers feels the animals were well cared for and that there is no need for remorse."
The court took note of Roger's previous convictions in respect to animal welfare offences. In 2003, he was disqualified from keeping any more than 15 dogs.The court took note of Roger's previous convictions in respect to animal welfare offences. In 2003, he was disqualified from keeping any more than 15 dogs.
In 2004, Rogers was disqualified from owning all dogs for a period of five years.In 2004, Rogers was disqualified from owning all dogs for a period of five years.
One of the dogs which was seized by the RSPCAOne of the dogs which was seized by the RSPCA
However Huw Davies, defending, said Rogers lived off a state pension.However Huw Davies, defending, said Rogers lived off a state pension.
"Although he owns an acre of land on which he lives, his house is derelict and he lives in a static caravan.""Although he owns an acre of land on which he lives, his house is derelict and he lives in a static caravan."
He added: "He is a person of very limited means."He added: "He is a person of very limited means."
The cost of caring for and housing the animals has cost the RSPCA in excess of £100,000 and the charity said its prosecution costs amounted to £10,000.The cost of caring for and housing the animals has cost the RSPCA in excess of £100,000 and the charity said its prosecution costs amounted to £10,000.
Rogers must pay £3,000 towards RSPCA costs.Rogers must pay £3,000 towards RSPCA costs.
Magistrates told him he would have been jailed if he had been younger.Magistrates told him he would have been jailed if he had been younger.
Dr Christopher Rowlands, chairman of the magistrates, told Rogers he would have gone to prison if it was not for his age.Dr Christopher Rowlands, chairman of the magistrates, told Rogers he would have gone to prison if it was not for his age.
"We consider these offences to be so serious that only custodial sentences can be justified," he told him."We consider these offences to be so serious that only custodial sentences can be justified," he told him.
He took into account "the excessive number of animals" and his past record.He took into account "the excessive number of animals" and his past record.
Rogers was given a total of six months imprisonment, suspended for one year.Rogers was given a total of six months imprisonment, suspended for one year.
After the case, the RSPCA said the sentence sent "a clear signal to the public" that serial animal welfare crimes wouldl not be tolerated. After the case, the RSPCA said the sentence sent "a clear signal to the public" that serial animal welfare crimes would not be tolerated.