A woman from Ruardean in the Forest of Dean has been banned from keeping animals for five years after pleading guilty to neglecting pets in her care. Deborah Oakley admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and three fish, as well as failing to meet the welfare needs of all the animals.
On 26 March 2025, officers from the Forest of Dean District Council’s street warden team, counter fraud and enforcement unit, supported by Gloucestershire Police, executed a warrant at Oakley’s residence. They discovered poor hygiene and waste throughout the property, with the animals confined in conditions that led to prolonged suffering.
The pets found included a dog, three cats, three fish and a bird. Due to concerns over their health and living conditions, all the animals were seized. Oakley agreed to transfer ownership of the dog and two of the cats to the Council but refused to sign over the male cat, the bird and the fish.
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At Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 18 August, Oakley received a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 24 months. Alongside the five-year animal keeping ban, a Deprivation Order was authorised for the fish, which remain in foster care. She was also ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
Forest of Dean District Council confirmed that a second defendant involved in the case has pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act and is scheduled for sentencing next month.
Cllr Adrian Birch, Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, praised the efforts of those involved in the investigation and prosecution. He emphasised that animal owners must ensure their pets are protected from pain and cared for in safe environments.
“The sentencing today highlights our commitment to safeguarding animal welfare within the district. Our street warden team works tirelessly to uphold these standards and we encourage anyone with concerns about animal welfare to contact them promptly at [email protected],” said Cllr Birch.