Man banned from keeping animals for 10 years after keeping golden eagle in filthy kitchen

A man has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years for keeping a golden eagle in a dirty kitchen. Adam Smith, 54, of Billesley, Birmingham, England, who was keeping a golden eagle in a kitchen in Pembroke, west Wales, was sentenced on Monday after previously pleading guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.



The court previously heard that at a block of flats in Pembroke, Smith failed to ensure a golden eagle was provided with a suitable environment which was hygienic and/or free from hazards as he was keeping a golden eagle in his dirty kitchen. The RSPCA were called in January 2016 after reports that an eagle was found in inappropriate conditions. RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “This was an extremely unique case as you certainly don’t expect to see a golden eagle in someone’s kitchen.



"It was the craziest thing I have ever seen. It is totally just unthinkable. 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.



“Golden eagles require very specialist and expert care and members of the public should not be looking after them in their homes.” Smith at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years, ordered to pay a £73 fine, a £60 victim surcharge, ordered to pay £200 costs and was give a 12 month community order. The golden eagle, aged around three to four years, is currently in specialist care and is doing well.