JAYDE ROSS OF NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ENDANGERMENT AFTER ABANDONED BEARDED DRAGONS

Jayde Melanie Ross, also known as Jayde Davies, born around 1993 and residing on Monnow Way in Bettws, Newport NP20, was convicted in 2020 for animal welfare offences involving two bearded dragons. Ross was banned from keeping any animals for three years, a ban set to expire in February 2023.

Ross pleaded guilty to two charges related to neglecting the reptiles after leaving them in an empty property without the necessary heating, lighting, food, or water. Sadly, one of the bearded dragons died as a result.

The RSPCA responded after the two bearded dragons—one male and one female—were found abandoned in a deplorable state at the property. The animals were severely underweight; one was emaciated, and the other was suffering from suspected renal disease, parasitic infections, and conjunctivitis.

Reptiles like bearded dragons have complex care requirements, including a need for high temperatures and UVB lighting, which were evidently not provided. The RSPCA highlighted that their condition indicated they had been deprived of essential food and water for an extended period.

Due to the severity of his injuries, one of the bearded dragons had to be euthanized, while the other was transferred to a specialist wildlife centre with the aim of rehoming.

Sophie Daniels, an RSPCA Inspector, commented: “We found these poor bearded dragons in a shocking state — with one barely moving due to her condition; both appeared very lethargic, depressed, and with prominent bones. Bearded dragons require very specific care, including heating facilities, especially in Wales’ cooler climate. Leaving these animals without heat placed them in grave danger, and it’s hard to understand why more effort wasn’t made to retrieve or secure their safety after the tenant left.

“Owning pets is a privilege, but what we saw here was a failure of duty that led to one dragon dying and the other suffering unnecessarily for a prolonged period.

“Thankfully, it wasn’t too late for the surviving lizard, but this case serves as a stark reminder of the complex needs of these animals and the responsibilities of owners to meet those needs.”

In the sentencing, Ross was ordered to pay a total of £821 in fines, costs, and charges. The three-year ban on keeping animals is valid until February 2023.