THESE shocking images show the level of neglect one woman inflicted on dozens of animals in her care.

The appalling evidence led to the conviction of Madeleine MacDonald who was ordered to pay £20,000 and given a ten-year ban from keeping any pets except for tropical fish and one cat at any one time.

MacDonald, of London Road, Chalfont St Giles, was fined £10,000 for four of the 21 unnecessary suffering charges and ordered to pay £10,000 costs at Wycombe Magistrates Courton Wednesday, June 15.

A total of 30 dogs, cats, birds and snakes were removed from her former address in Little Chalfont in August after an RSPCA investigation into the 58-year-old's "serious" mistreatment of the animals.Two dogs had to be put down.

Laura Breedon, an RSPCA inspector, told the Free Press she was appalled by the case and unhappy with the length of the ban on keeping animals given to MacDonald.

"It was the worst multiple animal case I have ever seen," she said.

"The living conditions of the animals were appalling."

"I am disappointed the ban was not longer considering the seriousness of the case and the number of animals involved," she added.

"I also hope that if she does decide to get another cat that she looks after it properly and gives it the care and attention it will need to live a happy and stress free life."

RSPCA officers first discovered the animals last August following a gas explosion at MacDonald's home, in Charsley Close, Little Chalfont.

The dogs had to be tied to neighbouring fences after being rescued by firefighters.

Among the charges to which MacDonald pleaded guilty last Wednesday was causing unnecessary suffering to different breeds of dog including Dobermans, Great Danes, German Shepherds and a Newfoundland along with seven sphynx cats.

Speaking after the case, MacDonald said: "I have never in my entire life deliberately neglected my animals, all of which were given immediate veterinary treatment when required.

I was very deeply depressed at the time and had been for a considerable period and had badly neglected both myself and my house.

"I only pleaded guilty because I was advised that members of the public cannot take on the RSPCA and win.

"My health was too frail to cope with a lengthy court case and I did not have any money to fund such a case.

"My weekly pet food bill was in the region of £150 and because of congenital health problems requiring major surgery on two of my dogs, my vet's fees were several thousands of pounds a year and in one particular four-week period amounted to approximately £6,000.

"The sentence was out of all proportion to the true facts or other similar cases.

I have lost everything and have been badly let down by the legal system, the health services and social services."