A man from St Albans has been disqualified from keeping animals for three years after admitting animal welfare offences towards a cat, a collie dog and two tortoises.

Neil Raines of Dammersley Close appeared at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 5 for sentencing, after previously pleading guilty at Watford Magistrates Court on October 10.

Raines had previously pleaded guilty to the neglect of four animals he was responsible for. They included Sue, a two-year-old black cat, Lucky, a 14 year-old black and white collie dog and two tortoises - one small and one large.

As well as the disqualification, the 44-year-old was given a six month community supervision order, with a 12 week curfew from 8pm until 8am and was made to pay £780 costs.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith said: "The needs of these animals were just not being met.

"A suitable environment had not been provided for Sue, who was kept enclosed in a cat basket over a litter tray and not allowed to roam. She was also suffering from extreme weight loss and had not been taken to a vet to be treated for this.

"Lucky, the not-so-lucky collie, had not been given a suitable environment or diet and the two tortoises had not been given the light or heat that they need to survive.

"The message here is that taking on the care of any animal is a big responsibility and it is important to remember the animals involved are completely dependent on this care. Anyone taking on such a duty needs to think carefully to make sure they have the time and resources to do so. "

The RSPCA was called in May after concern about the animals at the Markyate Address. All four animals were signed over into their care, and they have all since been rehomed.