JESSICA FAIREY ABANDONS DYING DOG IN RIDDLINGS - COURT SENTENCE

Jessica Louise Fairey, born on June 30, 1999, and residing on Church Street in Riddings, Alfreton DE55 4BX, has been convicted in connection with the neglect and abandonment of a severely ill dog. The incident, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, culminated in her being sentenced to a suspended prison term and a lifetime ban on keeping pets.

Fairey pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Bella, a 12-year-old Staffordshire cross, who was found in a state of severe neglect at her former flat in Belper on December 20, 2023. The dog was discovered collapsed and unresponsive, confined within a dog crate in the kitchen and living room area of the property. The investigation was initiated after reports from neighbors and concerned individuals who noticed the dog’s distress and the apparent neglect.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe responded to the scene after being alerted to the possibility of an unattended dog. Upon arrival, she knocked on the door but received no answer. A neighbor, who had keys to the property, informed her that Fairey had moved out earlier that day and was not expected to return. With permission from the neighbor, Inspector Leafe entered the flat to assess the situation.

In her official statement, Inspector Leafe detailed her conversation with Fairey, who claimed that the dog was unwell and that she had been trying to contact various animal welfare organizations, including the RSPCA, PDSA, and local vets, for weeks without success. Fairey stated she had no plans to return to the property and had no arrangements in place for the dog’s care. She also claimed to have rescued Bella only two weeks prior, asserting that the dog was already ill at that time. However, neighbors contradicted her account, stating that Fairey had owned Bella since October and had never allowed her outside.

During the inspection, the inspector found Bella in a state of extreme neglect. The dog was lying motionless in the open crate, unresponsive but still breathing. The environment was described as filthy, with a strong smell of urine, and the dog was surrounded by cushions and blankets saturated with urine. The inspector noted the presence of a bowl with dirty water and some dog food, indicating neglect and poor living conditions.

Paramedics and the inspector managed to carefully lift Bella onto a stretcher and transported her to a nearby veterinary clinic. The veterinarian’s examination revealed a large, reddened, and ulcerated mammary tumour on her abdomen. Despite attempts to mobilize her, Bella quickly collapsed again. Blood tests confirmed she was severely anaemic, with signs of inflammation and infection. X-rays revealed masses in her abdomen and chest, consistent with metastasis from the tumour. The veterinarian concluded that euthanasia was the most humane option to end her suffering.

The veterinarian’s report emphasized that Bella had been subjected to unnecessary suffering for at least a month due to the untreated tumour, which had led to sepsis, inflammation, and cancerous spread. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of timely veterinary intervention.

Further investigation into Fairey’s social media profiles suggested that her abandonment of Bella was not an isolated incident. The court heard that Fairey was experiencing health issues, addiction struggles, and mental health challenges at the time, which may have contributed to her neglectful behavior. Despite these mitigating circumstances, the court emphasized the severity of the neglect and the importance of accountability.

In sentencing, Fairey received a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities. She was also ordered to pay costs of £400, vet fees of £228, and a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, she was handed a lifetime ban from owning or keeping pets, reflecting the court’s stance on her conduct and the need to protect animals from future harm.