Pair admit harming scores of pets

A man and a woman have pleaded guilty to causing harm to nearly 60 animals.

More than 30 dogs, 11 puppies, three rabbits, two hamsters and a monkey were some of the animals found by the RSPCA. Some had eye and dental infections.

Urine and faeces was found on the floor of Adrian Hankey and Margaret Whitby's home in Stanfields, Stoke-on-Trent, as well as on furniture and the dogs.

The couple, both in their 60s, will re-appear before magistrates in Newcastle-under-Lyme next month for sentencing.

RSCPA inspectors were called to the home, in Fairclough Place, last October.

The pets were described as being in a "distressed state".

Only four cats were able to get outside through an open window, the court heard.