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.
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
WELCOME to the Temple of Zoom where you can “experience” sliding down a Mayan temple into shark infested waters .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
THIS RING of fire in the sky is the annular solar eclipse that wowed our cousins down-under .
WITH HIS PAW covering his mouth, this cheeky cub looks amused by something .
FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
ROLLING across a 65-metre-high viaduct in the Alps, the red carriages of the Bernina Express add a splash of colour to the spectacular snow-covered Swiss surroundings .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
CONTRASTING settings reveal some of England’s most beautiful landscapes in all their glory .
A floating market in Indonesia is bursting with vibrant colours as wooden rowing boats loaded with fruit and vegetables crowd the river .
An adorable little squirrel wakes from a nap and pops out his tongue for the camera .