A woman from Crouch Hill has been disqualified from owning animals for life after keeping dogs in cages stacked on top of each other nearly every day.

Ham & High: Evidence of the cages of one of the dogs in the trialEvidence of the cages of one of the dogs in the trial (Image: Archant)

Dulcie Seago-Madi, 72, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a cat, Amber, and 16 dogs.

She failed to provide veterinary care and attention for dogs Leo, Georgie and Trudie when they suffered from eye problems.

Ms Seago-Madi did not treat the skin problems of dogs Robin, Georgie and Daisy.

She also failed to provide an adequate diet and access to fresh water for the dogs.

The 16 dogs, a mixture of breeds including Chihuahuas, King Charles Cavaliers, Bulldogs, and Labradors were taken in by the RSPCA in February this year and have since been rehomed.

Acting chief inspector Natalie Bartle said: “The conditions these dogs were kept in was just awful and it was clear they had been suffering for some time.

“Their needs were just not being met at all.

“They were being kept in cages stacked on top of each other nearly all day, every day, for quite some time.

“They had not been taken for walks at all.

“When we took them out on their leads it was obvious they just didn’t know what to do.

“We are particularly pleased with the disqualification in this case as the defendant had already acquired new dogs and there was concerns for their future welfare, and that of any other animals which might come into her care.”

Ms Seago-Madi was sentenced at Highbury Magistrate’s Court on November 25. She was disqualified from keeping all animals for life, given a four month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £1,711.50 in costs and fines.