'Cesspit' home horror in Lancashire as RSPCA finds 'worst room ever seen'

A Lancashire man has been banned from keeping animals for life after horrifying conditions were discovered at his home in Nelson. Charles Bruce, 59, of Hendon Road, was found to be keeping three German Shepherds in what an RSPCA inspector described as appalling circumstances.

Three-year-old Bella was found collapsed and trembling uncontrollably in a pitch-black kitchen coated in what officers described as thick sludge comprised of faeces and urine. Distressing footage released by the RSPCA shows Bella lying unresponsive before being rushed for emergency treatment. The two other German Shepherds, Tyson and Duke, were severely underweight and covered in faeces and mud. A decomposed dog was also discovered inside a padlocked shed in the garden.

The emergency warrant was executed at the property on March 25 last year by Lancashire Police following concerns raised by RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Adam Wormwell. Upon arriving, the officer detected a powerful stench of a decomposing body emanating from the shed. Through a gap in the padlocked door, the hind legs of a dead dog wrapped in a blanket were visible.

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Jess Pierce described the kitchen to the court: "I could see a mix of faeces and urine on the floor it was like a thick sludge. The smell was so strong it made it difficult to breathe. The room was also completely dark and I couldn't see a light source in there." She observed Bella "appearing to be having a seizure and was shaking uncontrollably," noting: "I have seen animals do this before as they are about to die."

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lee Ferrans said the conditions were the worst he had ever witnessed.

Bruce pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. He received a 26-week custodial sentence suspended for two years, ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work, and pay £4,184 in costs plus a £154 victim surcharge. He was also banned from keeping animals for life.