JENNIFER WADUP'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN TAUNTON REVEALED

Jennifer Waddup, a woman from Taunton, Somerset, was found guilty in 2019 of severe animal neglect and hoarding. Residing on Buckland Road, Waddup's care for her pets was characterized by neglectful conditions that prompted intervention from the RSPCA. Her case drew attention to the dire state in which her animals were kept, leading to a court hearing on 24 July 2019 where she pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

Waddup was accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a total of 14 cats and one dog, as well as failing to provide proper care and medical treatment for her animals. Among the animals affected was a border collie named Domino, who was suffering from a chronic skin condition that Waddup failed to address through professional veterinary care. She admitted to neglecting the health needs of her animals between March 20 and April 3 of that year, including not exploring or treating the poor bodily condition of nine cats and Domino.

The court heard that Waddup did not ensure her pets had a suitable environment to live in, which contributed to their suffering. The neglect was compounded by her failure to protect the animals from pain, injury, suffering, and disease, as evidenced by a significant flea infestation present on or before April 3. The investigation was initiated after the RSPCA received reports of neglect at her property, which was found to be in a deplorable state. Officers described the premises as extremely dirty, with a strong smell of faeces, urine, and ammonia permeating the air.

Photographs taken during the investigation revealed the extent of the neglect: animal faeces and litter were scattered across the floors, and the conditions inside the property were described as horrendous. The dog, Domino, had lost extensive fur, indicating severe health issues, while many of the cats were in poor bodily condition, suffering from neglect and disease.

Following her conviction, RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the conditions in which the animals were found. She stated, “These animals were sadly found in horrendous conditions. I was immediately struck by a strong foul odour of faeces, stale urine, and ammonia. The property appeared very dirty and untidy, there were piles of faeces and pools of diarrhoea on the floor. Domino the dog had extensive fur loss, while many of the cats were in poor bodily condition at the time of their rescue. Pet-owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their animals do not suffer and that their needs are met, and sadly Waddup failed in this duty towards her animals.”

As part of her sentencing, Waddup was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, pay a total of £385 in costs and charges, and was disqualified from keeping cats and dogs for two years, a ban that expired in 2021. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the legal responsibilities pet owners have to ensure their animals are cared for properly.