🚨 SIX DOGS AND THREE RABBITS LEFT TO DIE IN FILTH - OWNERS SMILED AND LAUGHED Six dogs and three rabbits died agonising deaths from starvation and dehydration inside a filthy County Durham home, where an RSPCA inspector was met with a “strong smell of death” — and occupants who appeared to find the situation funny. Nathan Race, 38, and Jade Race, 36, also known as Boyd, left the animals without food or water for at least three days. Dead dogs lay decomposing or mummified inside filthy crates. Three rabbits were found in plastic hutches buried beneath thick layers of mouldy waste. Empty bowls, overflowing faeces, rubbish and thousands of flies painted a horrifying picture of neglect. One dog, Mila, had chewed her way out of her cage before dying in the living room. Investigators believed a toilet containing a small amount of dirty water was the only water source she could reach. The cruelty extended to another property in West Cornforth, where nine ferrets were kept in dirty, barren cages without water or enrichment. Birds had filthy drinking water and damaged feathers, while reptiles lacked lighting. A young rabbit, Midnight, was so emaciated that her bones felt sharp beneath her skin. Two young dogs, Nova and Oreo, were also underweight and neglected. When asked what animals needed from their owners, Nathan and Jade answered: “Attention, food, water, love.” Yet nine animals were dead, and others had been left suffering. At Durham Crown Court on 31 July, Nathan was handed a 20-month suspended prison sentence, 180 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity days. Jade received a 12-month suspended prison sentence and 40 rehabilitation activity days. Both were banned from keeping animals for life. Neither went straight to prison. Thankfully, surviving dogs Nova and Oreo and rabbit Midnight recovered and found new homes. The birds were transferred to wildlife facilities, while exotic animals were placed in specialist care. Nine animals paid with their lives. Their owners received suspended sentences.