It's incredible to think anyone could live in such horrendous squalor - yet two men have been prosecuted for keeping their homes in such revolting conditions that it was no longer fit for their animals. The RSPCA has brought two separate cases to court against pet owners Michael Clifford Harness and Shaun Parkin, both from Hull, in what they are calling some of the worst conditions inspectors had ever witnessed. The flea infested homes were both found to be housing several animals, some who had infections from the revolting conditions including one dog that had chewed off its own tail. Inspectors at the animal charity were shocked to discover the properties teeming with fleas, covered in urine and faeces and filled with rubbish. Most of the animals were found to be starving.
HUDDLED together in the hollow of a tree, it would be easy to overlook these two sleepy owls as they blend into the trunk .
MEET the underwater British seal who is so friendly he loves to grapple divers like a friendly puppy dog .
A diver looks like a minnow as she swims alongside a gigantic whale shark, the largest species of fish on the planet .
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .
Animal rescue volunteers have told how a cat riddled with cancer was forced to ripped off its own ears after it was abandoned by its owners .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
From vivid greens to glowing pinks, the colours of the aurora borealis fill the night sky above a snow covered Lapland .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
THESE LOVE BIRDS can’t keep their beaks off each other as they share a very public display of affection .
Is your cat bored? Do his usual playthings simply not do it for him anymore? Not to worry - there's an app for that .