A man who kept a golden eagle in a squalid kitchen has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
Adam Smith, 54, had the bird of prey in the filthy, rubbish-strewn kitchen of the flat Pembroke, West Wales.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the RSPCA was called in January this year after receiving reports the female bird was living at the block of flats in Main Street.
The court heard Smith failed to ensure the golden eagle was provided with a suitable environment which was hygienic and or free from hazards.
Smith, of Brook Lane, Billesley, Birmingham, had previously pleading guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
He received a 12-month community order, was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years, ordered to pay a £73 fine, a £60 victim surcharge and £200 costs.
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.”
The RSPCA said the golden eagle, which was aged around three to four years, is currently in specialist care and is doing well.
