A PET owner has been banned from keeping animals for five years for causing unnecessary suffering to a cat and a parakeet.

Alex Oakley from Ruardean was also jailed for 10 weeks suspended for two years after being prosecuted by the Forest of Dean Council for offences in relation to the Animal Welfare Act.

Cheltenham magistrates heard that Deborah Oakley had already been sentenced in connection with the council raid on their property in March 2025, when they found overwhelming evidence of poor hygiene and an accumulation of waste, with animals confined in conditions consistent with neglect, causing suffering over a long period of time.

She admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and three fish and was jailed for 12 weeks suspended for two years, banned for five years and ordered to pay £654 in costs and a surcharge.

Last Wednesday (September 16), Alex Oakley also pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and of failing to meet the needs of the cat and the parakeet.

A council spokesperson said: “During the operation, a dog, three cats, three fish and a bird were seized due to concerns about their health and welfare.

“The co-defendant, Ms Oakley, was present and informed of the seizure. She subsequently agreed to sign over ownership of the dog and two of the cats to the council but refused to sign over the male cat and the bird as these belonged to Mr. Oakley.

“The bird belonging to Mr Oakley was found with visible irritation to its head and missing tail feathers.”

A Deprivation Order in respect of the cat and the parakeet and a Disqualification Order from owning, keeping and participating in the keeping of any animal for five years were granted.

Mr. Oakley was also ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs, plus a victim surcharge of £154.

All the animals have now either been rehomed or are currently in foster care.

Forest Council Leader Cllr Adrian Birch said: “With the second part of this prosecution now complete, I would like to thank the officers, partners and staff involved in investigating this case and bringing this successful prosecution.

“The scale of the investigation, as well as the sentence handed down by the court, shows just how seriously we treat these types of cases.

“The owner, or person caring for an animal, has the responsibility to ensure an animal is protected, kept free from pain and nurtured in a safe environment. If this is found not to be the case, then the team at the council will work diligently to bring the owners to justice and prevent animals from being subjected to such suffering.

“If you have any welfare concerns for animals that you are aware of, please do not hesitate to contact our street warden team.”

The prosecution was brought by the council's street wardens, assisted by the council’s Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit.

Members of the public can contact them with any concerns about animal welfare by email at [email protected] or the CFEU by email at [email protected]