A woman who broke her parrot's leg while performing DIY surgery on it has been banned from keeping pets for ten years.

Eastern Daily Press: Monty the parrot Pictures RSPCAMonty the parrot Pictures RSPCA (Image: Archant)

Monty the African grey parrot, who belonged to 54-year-old Jean Bland of Somerville Avenue, Gorleston, had to have his leg amputated after an attempt to repair an injured leg ring.

Bland now has four weeks to re-home her two other parrots after magistrates disqualified her from pet ownership - a decision she can't appeal for five years.

Appearing in Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday, Bland was told she can no longer keep animals after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.

Jonathan Eales, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told magistrates that Bland and her husband Peter, 62, noticed Monty had suffered an injury to the ring of his leg in summer of 2016.

He said: 'Mr and Mrs Bland sought advice from the RSPCA clinic in Great Yarmouth who told them the leg would either have to be amputated, bled or the bird put to sleep. They were unhappy with this and so took him to Haven vets and were given the same advice.'

Mr Eales added the pair - currently separated - were visited on December 12 by RSPCA inspector Ben Kirby on December 12, who noticed Monty placing no weight on one foot.

He said: 'Mr Kirby asked what had happened and Mr Bland began to explain, before Mrs Bland told him to shut up. She told him about his leg ring and explained they had attempted to remove it themsleves.'

The court also heard the couple had asked an unqualified friend to come and remove the foot completely, telling the RSPCA inspector: 'It's okay, he knows what he is doing.'

Natalie Myer, mitigating, said the decision was made for financial reasons with them unable to afford vet fees due in part with issues with universal credit, with their household already relying on food parcels.

Mrs Myer added: 'Her animals were company to her and gave her something to rely on.'

Both appeared in court on March 28, where Peter Bland entered a guilty plea, while Jean Bland then pleaded not guilty.

Peter Bland was given the same sentence as Jean Bland, with both unable to appeal for five years. Both also received three year conditional discharges.

Peter Bland was ordered to pay £40 costs and £20 surcharge, Jean Bland £75 costs and £20 surcharge.