A WOMAN who failed to meet the needs of 80 guinea pigs and two dogs which were living in ‘filthy, cramped conditions’ at her one bedroom flat has had her sentence upheld at appeal.

Valerie Seddon was banned from keeping animals for 10 years, given a six-month community order, fined £50 and ordered to pay £700 costs following a trial.

The 63-year-old of James Street, Atherton, had pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of the guinea pigs by not providing a suitable environment for them to live in.

She denied the same charge relating to the dogs but a court found her guilty.

Seddon launched an appeal against the severity of her sentence but Bolton Crown Court ruled on, Thursday, that the punishments will stand.

The guinea pigs were living in the lounge and an outside shed. The dogs were in crates in a cupboard recess off the hall, where Seddon admitted in interview they could be confined for up to seven hours a day.

RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald said: “The animals were housed in filthy, cramped conditions without food and many without water. One of the dog crates had faeces piled at the back, some so old it had turned white. The guinea pigs were housed in baskets, boxes and on furniture shelves and most were living among deep compacted faeces in cramped and at times overcrowded conditions. By her own admission Seddon did not know exactly how many guinea pigs she had.”

The guinea pigs have been moved to animal centres across the north of England for rehoming and the two female dogs will be rehoused.

The RSPCA and a vet went to the flat on February 25.

Entry was refused so, due to concerns for the animals, a warrant was obtained and access gained the same day.

Inspector McDonald said: “I was shocked by the numbers and conditions that greeted me after gaining entry to Seddon’s small flat.

“She had allowed conditions to get out of control and did not seek help when she claims her health became an issue.

“She said she was an experienced animal lover, keeping guinea pigs for many years, and yet she allowed her animals to live like that.”

The guinea pigs have been moved to animal centres across the north of England for rehoming.

The two female dogs, a shih tzu-type called Molly and a terrier-type called Lipliner, will also now be able to be rehomed by the RSPCA.

Inspector McDonald added: “This situation could have been easily avoided if Seddon had just kept to a manageable number of animals.

“I hope this case draws attention to an issue we sometimes face in regards to numbers getting out of control and the importance of ensuring you are able to cope with any animals in your care.

“If a situation becomes unmanageable people must seek help.”