A woman has been banned from keeping animals for a decade after six rabbits were found in 'filthy and unsuitable conditions.' Marion Merriman, 50, kept them without enough food, water, housing ventilation or bedding and were taken to RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital where they were examined on August 26, last year. In a vet report the rabbits were described as "underweight or very underweight." Some of them had "urine and faecal stained feet and were hungry and thirsty". READ MORE: Police searching for two women who were 'punched' at Worcestershire pub The rabbits were transferred to boarding facilities the following day and they had all put on weight three weeks later. The vet said in their professional opinion the owner did not meet the needs of the six rabbits. The vet report said: “No food or water was available to the rabbits. All rabbits were hungry and thirsty on arrival. All rabbits bar one gained a healthy amount of weight in a short amount of time with adequate feeding measures only. "Judging by their poor body condition these rabbits suffered hunger and thirst due to the insufficient food and water provision for at least 2 to 3 weeks. “The rabbits were kept in small wooden hutches inside a shed. Reportedly the air quality inside the shed was poor due to lack of ventilation and unclean conditions inside the hutches. “The hutches contained a large amount of faecal matter and the small amount of wood shaving was dirty and wet in places with urine. Wood shavings are wholly inadequate as rabbit bedding.” One of the rabbits was also found to have an “obvious head tilt” and sadly the rabbit was euthanised due to an uncertain prognosis. The other rabbits went to RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre to be rehomed. Merriman, of Bond Street, Rugby, Warwickshire , pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act. She was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work following a hearing at Coventry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 7. Merriman was disqualified from keeping all animals for ten years and was ordered to pay costs of £350 and a £114 victim surcharge. Following sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Jon Ratcliffe said: “It is the owner’s legal responsibility to properly look after any animals in their care. "These poor rabbits were found in wholly unsuitable conditions and did not have their needs met in several ways. “For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support .”