Over 100 animals were kept at the Jones' home

Glyndwr and Margaret Jones, and their son Michael, 19, of Gorseinon, were prosecuted by the RSPCA.

Mr and Mrs Jones were also found guilty of breaching an order preventing them owning more than five pets each.

They were cleared of another charge of not providing veterinary care. Sentencing was adjourned until January.

The trial previously heard around 100 animals were found in "appalling conditions" in a three-bedroomed council house.

The Joneses had denied causing unnecessary cruelty

Some were in cages, covered by blankets, while others roamed free.

Litter trays were overflowing with faeces and the smell was "sickening", council officials told the court.

The case was brought by the RSPCA at Swansea magistrates court.

The council had been alerted after receiving anonymous complaints about the state of the property and a warrant was executed at Llanerch Crescent on 27 October 2005.

Council officers told the court the house had an "overpowering smell of ammonia" being used to disguise the smell of urine.

The house had litter trays behind each chair which were "full to over-flowing".

One of the dogs rescued by the RSPCA

The family had told council officials some of the animals were rescued, some belonged to Carmarthenshire College and others were pets of two younger daughters.

But during the trial Michael Jones claimed he was solely responsible for the animals at his parents' home.

He said he took in animals rejected by other groups and was effectively running an unofficial refuge of last resort.

He told the court he loved animals, had done a college course in animal care and wanted to be a veterinary nurse.

Under cross-examination he admitted he did own too many animals but said he had never put any of them at risk.

'Inconceivable'

But District Judge Richard Williams QC rejected his parents claims he had brought the animals into their home without permission.

"I do not believe Mr Jones, who, figuratively, washed his hands of all of this and said it was all down to his son," he said.

"I think that it is inconceivable that this number of animals were introduced into the house against their wishes."

The Joneses were found guilty of charges by the RSPCA of causing unnecessary suffering to 36 animals by not properly feeding them and keeping them in a poor environment.

Judge Williams QC adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports, and all three family members were released on bail.