A FOREST of Dean woman has been sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act.

Deborah Oakley of Ruardean, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to one dog and three fish and of failing to meet the needs of animals in her care.

A warrant was executed at a premises occupied by Ms. Oakley in March 2025, by officers of the Forest of Dean District Council’s Street Warden Team, the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, and assistance from police.

Officers found evidence of poor hygiene and an accumulation of waste throughout the property, with animals confined in conditions consistent with neglect, causing suffering over a long period of time.

During the operation, the dog, along with three cats, three fish and a bird were seized due to concerns about their health and living conditions.

Applications were made by the prosecution for a Deprivation Order for the fish remaining in foster care, as well as a disqualification order from owning, keeping and participating in the keeping of any animal for five years, both orders were granted by the court.

She was also ordered to pay a contribution of £500 towards the prosecution’s costs, plus a victim surcharge of £154.

A second defendant in the case has also pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and is due to be sentenced next month.

Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Adrian Birch said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in investigating this case and bringing this successful prosecution. We must all do everything we can to prevent animals from being subjected to such suffering.

“The owner, or person caring for an animal, has the responsibility to ensure the animal is protected, kept free from pain and nurtured in a safe environment.

“The team at Forest of Dean District Council do a fantastic job of ensuring that animals in our district are looked after properly and will hold those accountable should they find any animal has been mistreated.”