A couple from St Austell have been found guilty of breaking 11 animal welfare laws.

Michael John Thomas Jackson and Joanna Caroline Lutey have been disqualified from owning and keeping animals and poultry. The offences took place at Boscoppa Farm, St Austell.

They were found guilty of keeping chickens and ducks in very small, extremely dirty, rodent-infested barren cages and in permanent darkness. They kept chickens and rabbits in the same space, did not allow them access to suitable water supply and did not provide an adequate supply of fresh drinking water.

They were found guilty of failing to maintain an effective pest control programme which meant that birds and rabbits needs' were not met. Neither were the rabbits given a suitable diet.

The couple were also found guilty of failing to dispose of carcasses of eight chickens and five ducks and of causing unnecessary suffering to a chicken by not seeking veterinary treatment or humanely destroying it. In addition, they fed chickens, ducks and geese catering waste.

The defendants plead guilty to all charges.

Mr Jackson was given a community order to carry out 200 hours within the next year, was fined a surcharge to fund victim services of £85 and costs of £2000.

Ms Lutey was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community work, was fined a surcharge to fund victim services of £85 and costs of £2000.