Deborah Oakley, of Ruardean in the Forest of Dean, has been prohibited from keeping any animals for five years after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of animals in her care.
The charges relate to one dog and three fish, alongside living conditions that were deemed neglectful. On 26 March 2025, officers from the Forest of Dean District Council’s street warden team, counter fraud and enforcement unit, assisted by Gloucestershire Police, executed a warrant at Oakley’s home.
Inside the property, investigators found poor hygiene and accumulated waste, with animals confined in conditions that caused them prolonged suffering. As a result, the dog, three cats, three fish, and a bird were seized due to concerns over their health and welfare.
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Oakley agreed to transfer ownership of the dog and two of the cats to the Council but refused to relinquish the male cat, the bird, and the fish. At Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 18 August, she received a 12-week jail sentence suspended for 24 months and was banned from owning or keeping animals for five years. The remaining fish were placed in foster care under a Deprivation Order.
Additionally, Oakley was ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
Forest of Dean District Council confirmed a second individual involved has also pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act and is due for sentencing next month.
Cllr Adrian Birch, Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of those involved in the case: “We must all do everything we can to prevent animals from suffering. Those responsible for animal care must ensure their welfare, keeping them safe and free from pain.”
He added, “Our district council teams work hard to protect animals, and today’s sentencing reflects our commitment to holding neglectful owners accountable. If anyone has concerns about animal welfare, we urge them to contact our street warden team at [email protected].”