Family is left sickened after returning from holiday to find their beloved rabbit DEAD and other animals emaciated because the pet sitter FORGOT about them
- Angie Bunce-Mason and her two children went on a two-week holiday to Devon
- Family hired Essex Pet Services to look after their two bunnies Doug and Gertie
- When they returned they were greeted with the smell of a decomposing rabbit
- Essex Pet Services said: ‘This was a tragic mistake’ and complied with the RSPCA
A family were horrified to come back from holiday to find their rabbit decomposing and two other pets emaciated after an animal-sitting service ‘forgot’ to feed them.
Angie Bunce-Mason and husband Adam hired Essex Pet Services to look after their two bunnies Doug and Gertie, and parrot Monty while they were away with their two kids.
But they were horrified when they got back from their two-week break in Devon to find Gertie dead and covered in maggots, and the other two creatures emaciated.
Angie Bunce-Mason and husband Adam hired Essex Pet Services to look after their two bunnies Doug and Gertie, and parrot Monty while they were away with their two kids
Mrs Bunce-Mason, from Essex said: ‘I’d used the service for years so the guy there had our house keys anyway.
‘I trusted them, and off I go on my holiday. We were in a rural part in Devon, with no wi-fi but I had my parents down as emergency contacts.
‘When we came home we were greeted with the most awful smell – my husband is a police officer and I’m a nurse so we knew exactly what the smell was.
-
Miami DJ won’t face arrest in crash that killed corrupt…
Michael Cohen reveals how he hunted for rumored videotape of…
Share this article
‘Gertie was dead and covered in maggots, and it was the second cycle of maggots so they must have been there within seven days or so.
‘Our pets are a major part of our family – it was just sickening. Our parrot, who is usually in immaculate condition, was all skinny and not right.
‘His feathers looked bad and he was very quiet, which is not like him at all.
But they were horrified when they got back from their two-week break in Devon to find Gertie dead and covered in maggots, and the other two creatures emaciated
‘The fresh vegetables we had left on the side for the rabbits were still there, all rotten. It really was awful.
‘After a good cry, we sent [the company] a text, saying ‘I hope the animals are okay?’ and he texted back saying ‘everything’s fine’.
‘Next thing you know I saw his van pull up outside; he obviously didn’t realise we were home from our holiday.’
The family has since received a £50 voucher for Pets at Home and a card apologising from the company, based in Westcliff.
Mrs Bunce-Mason added: ‘I couldn’t believe it. It’s like blood money. He made a huge mistake, and I don’t want anything to do with him.
‘I don’t want money, I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else.’
She said the surviving pets were now back to full health.
The deaths happened in August last year but the family have come forward after learning an RSPCA investigation into the incident has now been closed.
Mrs Bunce-Mason added: ‘The animals that did survive are fine now but we don’t know what emotional scars they’ve got.
‘Every time we leave, are they going to be scared thinking we’re not coming back?’
Pet rabbit Gertie (pictured) was found dead, while fellow rabbit, Doug, and parrot, Monty, were at death’s door
A spokesman for the RSPCA said: ‘We truly understand the heartache that the family must have gone through as a result of this incident.
‘The owner of the pet service was extremely remorseful and fully cooperated with the investigation.
‘Even if a matter is serious, it is not always appropriate to take a prosecution.’
Essex Pet Services said: ‘This was a tragic mistake and I will never ever forgive myself for this.
‘I have had meetings with the RSPCA and going forward we have a clear plan regarding text messages for bookings, and bookings more than three days needing to be emailed to this business.
‘I am truly sorry for all the pain and upset that I have caused. It wasn’t intentional.’
Source: Read Full Article