A man found guilty of keeping dogs and ducks in such appalling conditions that some had to be put down has been disqualified for keeping any animals for life.

Langley Beck, of Bell Lane, Boxley, was visited by police and an RSPCA investigator in July 2017 when seven dogs and three ducks were discovered living without ready access to water on a suitable environment on his 80-acre farm.

The dogs were found in several buildings on the property living in rooms with faeces on virtually all surfaces.

In one building, the dog poo was so thick on a staircase that officers did not let a vet use the steps in case she slipped and fell.

Three white ducks were discovered in a caravan, baking hot in the sun with windows and doors closed.

A veterinary examination revealed the birds had been without water for at least 12 hours and were in such a poor state that one had to be immediately put down. The other two were euthanised later.

The 54-year-old, who claims to have a family history in the village going back over 100 years (something he says makes his the oldest in Boxley), appeared at Medway Magistrate's Court last month where he stood trial.

The court heard that the dogs were in good health and he insisted that he regularly fed and provided water for the dogs and ducks.

He also claimed that if it had not been for the police and RSPCA visit he would have continued his feeding routine as normal and would have opened the caravan for the ducks and brought them water.

However, he was convicted of failing to provide water and a suitable environment for the dogs and ducks, and causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide medical care when they were obviously ill.

Standing before magistrates again in Maidstone on Thursday, February 14, Beck was told he could not keep or look after any animal for the rest of his life and would have his dogs permanently seized by the RSPCA.

He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities, 100 hours of unpaid work and to pay £1,800 in costs plus an £85 victim surcharge.