Liam Reynolds Sentenced After Found Living With Over 50 Animals Despite Court Ban
A man previously banned from keeping animals has been jailed for 26 weeks after being found living in filthy conditions with more than 50 animals, including cats, dogs, birds and fish, at his Plymouth home.
Liam Reynolds, of Flamborough Way, was sentenced after an RSPCA investigation revealed he had breached a court-imposed disqualification order and subjected animals to unacceptable living conditions.
Animal Ban Extended to 30 Years
Reynolds was initially banned in 2019 after admitting to failing to care for six dogs. He was also previously prosecuted in 2021 for breaching the ban twice. During the latest hearing, magistrates extended his ban on keeping animals to 30 years, with no right to appeal for 20 years.
He was also ordered to pay £400 in costs. His plea for a financial penalty instead of prison was denied, with the court stating:
“You have persistently and continuously breached your disqualification and you are cruel and not safe to be with animals — you make them suffer. The only option is prison.”
Partner Also Banned
Reynolds’ partner, Emily Dart, also of Flamborough Way, was banned from keeping animals for seven years, with no appeal allowed for five years. She was jointly charged with Reynolds for failing to meet the needs of two dogs and five cats.
Dart received a £300 fine and was ordered to pay £300 in court costs.
Animals Rescued and Rehoming Underway
At sentencing, the court ordered that all animals in their care be signed over to the RSPCA, including:
- Dogs: Cinders and Roxy
- Cats: Aslan, Sissy, Gracie, Mavis, and Winifred
The animals will now be rehomed by the RSPCA.
RSPCA Urges Vigilance Against Repeat Offenders
An RSPCA spokesperson said the case serves as a “reminder of the importance of upholding disqualification orders” and commended members of the public for reporting concerns, which led to the investigation.
