Tanaya Jade Robins, 26, has been banned from owning animals for a decade after her flat was found to be home to distressed dogs and cats in a shocking case of animal neglect.
The discovery at Temperance Street
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, RSPCA officers and police officers were called to a property in Temperance Street after receiving reports of a dog killing another. The officers discovered several dogs confined in cages and cats searching for hiding places within the rooms of the flat.
- The rooms were found to be covered in animal waste, but lacking in food.
- The strong smell of ammonia, urine, and faeces hit the officers even before they stepped inside the door.
- Cats were seen running into hiding spaces, while dogs were barking in distress.
- The rooms were littered with fresh faeces, and old faeces were seen to be trodden into the carpet.
- A single cat scratch post remained the only clean spot inside the home.
Conditions for the animals
A distressed Belgian Malinois dog was found crated next to a cluttered single bed. Upstairs, two huskies were barricaded in a room, while another room held a locked-in XL Bully. The animals identified as huskies Lunar, Nanuck, and Mischa, malinois Enza, and a bull breed named Azoura, were seized by police and placed in RSPCA care.
The consequences for Tanaya Jade Robins
Tanaya Jade Robins was found guilty in her absence and later sentenced at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 10. She was banned from owning animals for a decade and ordered to pay £600 in costs.
- Robins was found guilty under Section 9(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, after it was found she had failed to meet the animals’ needs for clean water, a safe environment, protection from harm, and the ability to exhibit normal behaviour.
- Robins cannot appeal the decision for seven years, as per the court’s ruling.
The response from the RSPCA
RSPCA inspector Beccy Wadey, who led the investigation, said: “Animals are reliant on their owners to provide a safe and suitable living environment for them. They deserve to be shown respect and kindness and have their needs met. Sadly, these animals were neglected without the care they needed or deserved.”
The court’s verdict
The prosecution was brought under Section 9(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2004. This section states that an animal’s needs must be met by its owner, including the provision of clean water, a safe environment, protection from harm, and the ability to exhibit normal behaviour. In this case, the prosecution proved that Robins had failed to meet these needs for the animals in her care.
| Animal | Condition |
|---|---|
| Belgian Malinois | Distressed and crated next to a cluttered single bed |
| Huskies (Lunar, Nanuck, Mischa) | Barricaded in a room |
| Bull Breed (Azoura) | Locked-in room |
The impact of the case
The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting animals. It serves as a warning to animal owners to ensure that their pets receive the care and attention they need.
- It also underscores the role of animal welfare organizations, such as the RSPCA, in protecting animals from neglect and abuse.
- Furthermore, the case demonstrates the need for education and awareness about animal welfare and the importance of providing a safe and suitable living environment for animals.
Expert opinion
Tanaya Jade Robins’ mental health struggles and her perceived need for companionship from the animals have been cited as a factor in the neglect of her pets. However, this is not an excuse for neglecting animals and highlights the importance of seeking professional help and support.
- The case highlights the need for a balance between an animal’s needs and the owner’s needs, rather than prioritizing one over the other.
- It also emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support when struggling with mental health issues.
Animal welfare and the law
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is a crucial piece of legislation that provides protection for animals. However, it is not a guarantee of animal welfare and is often subject to interpretation and enforcement challenges.
- The case highlights the importance of education and awareness about animal welfare and the need for effective enforcement of animal welfare legislation.
- Furthermore, the case demonstrates the need for continued reform and improvement of animal welfare legislation to ensure that animals receive the care and attention they need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tanaya Jade Robins’ case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting animals. It highlights the need for education, awareness, and effective enforcement of animal welfare legislation to protect animals from neglect and abuse. As we strive to create a world where animals are treated with respect and kindness, we must continue to work towards this goal, ensuring that animals receive the care and attention they deserve.
