DEAN RIGLEY FROM NOTTINGHAM JAILED FOR LEAVING FERRET TO DIE IN HOT CAR

Dean Philip Rigley, born on November 13, 1984, and residing at Saffron Gardens in Nottingham NG2 1QF, faced legal consequences after a tragic incident involving his pet ferret. The incident occurred during the peak of a scorching summer day, when temperatures soared to 40°C outside. Rigley left his ferret confined in a metal cage inside his vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, parked in a car park located in the Holgate area of Nottingham.

By the next morning, the ferret was found dead inside the car, having succumbed to hyperthermia due to prolonged exposure to the intense heat. The ferret was discovered in a wire cage placed on the front passenger seat, with no access to water or fresh air. The animal appeared lifeless, curled up in the cage, and showed signs of suffering, including dried blood around its mouth and nose, which indicated hypothermia caused by overheating.

Concerned passersby alerted authorities after noticing the ferret’s condition. The RSPCA was called to the scene at an anglers’ car park in Clifton, Nottingham, on July 20, 2016. When investigators examined the scene, they found the ferret in a dire state, with no water available in the cage. The animal’s condition was so severe that a veterinarian concluded it had been suffering for hours before its death.

During questioning, Rigley admitted that he had only acquired the ferret approximately 24 hours prior to the incident. His defense lawyer, Buckley, explained that Rigley expressed remorse for what had happened, emphasizing that the death was largely accidental. Buckley added that Rigley was not living at a fixed address at the time and often spent nights sleeping in his car or sofa surfing. He stated that Rigley had received the ferret from a colleague, along with a food bowl and milk, with the intention of caring for it long-term.

According to the defense, Rigley had gone to stay at a friend’s house on the day of the incident, which was the hottest day of the year. Although his car was parked in the shade, the extreme heat rendered it ineffective in protecting the animal. When Rigley learned of the ferret’s fate, he was reportedly very upset. The court noted that while the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars are widely recognized, awareness of similar risks for other animals is less common.

In sentencing, Rigley was sentenced to six weeks in jail and ordered to pay a total of £215 in fines and costs. The case highlights the importance of understanding the risks of leaving animals in vehicles during hot weather and the legal consequences of neglecting animal welfare.