Man who kept golden eagle in 'disgusting' kitchen banned from owning animals for 10 years

Squalid conditions: The golden eagle was kept surrounded by bags on rubbish, a court heard
PA
Fiona Simpson17 October 2016
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A man who kept a golden eagle in a squalid flat has been banned for keeping animals for a decade.

Adam Smith, 54, left the bird of prey in the “disgusting” kitchen of his home in Pembroke, West Wales, “surrounded by bags of rubbish”, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.

RSPCA inspectors were called to the flats in January this year and found the bird living in “unthinkable” conditions.

Inspector Keith Hogben described the discovery as the "craziest thing he'd ever seen".

Banned: Adam Smith, 54, kept the bird of prey in his kitchen
PA

He said: “You certainly don't expect to see a golden eagle in someone's kitchen.

“The conditions that the golden eagle were kept in were not suitable by any means, there were bags full of rubbish scattered over the floor and the bird was unable to spread her wings in all directions in what was a dark, alien environment.

"She had been kept in disgusting conditions that were totally unsuitable for any animal, let alone a golden eagle.”

Experts found that Smith, of Brook Lane, Billesley, Birmingham, had failed to ensure that the bird was provided with a suitable environment which was hygienic and free from hazards.

He previously pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

Smith was handed a 12-month community order and was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years at the same court today.

He was also ordered to pay a £73 fine, a £60 victim surcharge and £200 costs.

The RSPCA said the golden eagle, which was aged around three to four years, is currently in specialist care and is doing well.

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