Man given 10-year animal ban after keeping golden eagle in 'disgusting' kitchen

A man who kept a golden eagle in a squalid kitchen has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Adam Smith, 54, held the female bird in a kitchen filled with rubbish at his home in Pembroke, West Wales.

The RSPCA was called in January after receiving reports that the bird, aged between three and four, was living in the block of flats.

RSPCA officials said the eagle did not have enough room to spread its wings in Adam Smith's kitchen. Credit: RSPCA/PA Wire

Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court heard that Smith failed to ensure the eagle was provided with a suitable environment that was hygienic and/or free from hazards.

Smith, of Billesley, Birmingham, had previously pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

He received a 12-month community order, was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years; and was ordered to pay a £73 fine, a £60 victim surcharge, and £200 in costs.

RSPCA officials described Adam Smith's kitchen as 'disgusting'. Credit: RSPCA/PA Wire

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: "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."

Adam Smith's squalid kitchen was deemed an unsuitable environment to keep a golden eagle. Credit: RSPCA/PA Wire

Mr Hogben added: "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 home."

The RSPCA said the eagle is now in specialist care and is doing well.