SEVEN dogs were seized by the RSPCA when they were found living in appalling conditions on a snowy winter’s day.

The animals were housed in inadequate shelters, with no bedding, water or food, magistrates were told.

The snow covered yard in Friday Bridge was covered in faeces, wood and wire, and was scattered with scores of bones.

Also found at the premises was the badly decomposed body of a ferret that appeared to have starved to death.

Appearing at Wisbech courthouse, 52-year-old Nigel Carter changed his plea and admitted he had failed to ensure the dogs had a suitable environment with sufficient bedding, that was free from hazards and provided protection from inclement weather.

When Carter is sentenced next month, the RSPCA will be asking magistrates for orders disqualifying him from keeping animals in the future, along an order requiring him give over the animals.

Prosecuting, Paul Andrews said two RSPCA officers went to Carter’s former home at Waldersea on January 9, and found seven dogs living in a variety of shelters.

“There was frozen snow on the ground, and no visible bedding, water or food,” he said. “The yard was full of faeces, wood, wire and scores of bones; one of the wooden shelters had nails protruding.”

The dogs were in a reasonable bodily condition, said Mr Andrews, but were hiding and nervous.

RSPCA officers were told that Carter had not been seen for days, and a neighbour had been feeding the dogs.

A vet called to examine the animals declared their living conditions inadequate; and the police authorised their seizure.

Magistrates were told that Carter, who now lives in Clipston Walk, Peterborough, was released from jail in October last year.

“His partner had asked a neighbour to feed the animals, but once he was released from prison they were his responsibility,” added Mr Andrews.

The court ordered a report and adjourned Carter’s sentencing until December 8.

*Amanda Goodhead, 48, of Clipston Walk, Peterborough, had denied the same charge; the RSPCA offered no evidence against her and the case was dismissed.