MARGARET FAKESCH HORRIFIC ANIMAL HOARDING IN SCULCOATES, HULL

Margaret Fakesch, a woman residing at 79 Goodrich Close in Hull, located in the Sculcoates area, was found guilty in a court of law on Monday, November 1, 2021, for her role in a severe case of animal hoarding and neglect. The case drew significant attention from the RSPCA, which had responded to multiple distress calls concerning the welfare of the animals kept within her home.

In July 2019, RSPCA officers conducted an inspection of Fakesch’s residence after receiving reports that raised serious concerns about the living conditions and the treatment of the animals. Upon entering her disorganized and cluttered home, the officers were met with an overwhelming stench of ammonia, indicative of poor sanitation and hygiene. The interior was heavily littered with debris, and the floors were soaked in urine, making it nearly impossible to navigate without stepping into piles of animal feces. The situation was so dire that fecal matter was found on the arms of the sofa in the living room, illustrating the extent of neglect.

Fakesch denied any mistreatment of her animals during the investigation, but her claims did little to sway the authorities. She was issued a notice requiring her to improve the living conditions and to seek veterinary care for two of her cats, which exhibited signs of distress, including weeping eyes. Despite these directives, Fakesch expressed a deep mistrust of veterinary professionals, even going so far as to signal a stabbing motion towards her stomach when discussing her suspicions that vets might harm her animals.

The court heard that at least 12 cats were in her care, with two of them being identified as urgent cases due to their poor health. The officers noted that the cats’ conditions were alarming, and immediate intervention was deemed necessary. Further concerns arose when Fakesch took one of her cats, named Beautiful, to a veterinarian but refused to follow the professional advice given. Her distrust extended to dismissing medical recommendations, even when one of her cats suffered an accident and was diagnosed with a heart murmur. She refused to administer medication, claiming she did not understand what it was for.

During subsequent visits, officers found the home in a similar state of disarray, with only narrow pathways cleared through the clutter. A pile of used litter trays was discovered in stagnant water in the bathroom, and numerous soiled adult nappies were scattered around the house. Fakesch explained to officers that her intention was to make her home smell as bad as possible to deter potential burglars, a bizarre and disturbing rationale that underscored her detachment from proper animal care.

Throughout the court proceedings, Fakesch represented herself and struggled to maintain composure, frequently shouting and interrupting the proceedings, including the RSPCA representative and the court clerk. Despite already being convicted in a one-day trial on September 9, 2021, she continued to deny any wrongdoing, claiming that some of the animals she cared for were not her own but belonged to a family member.

As part of her sentencing, Fakesch was ordered to pay costs amounting to £262. She was also banned indefinitely from owning or caring for any animals, although she retains the right to appeal this decision after five years. The case highlights the severe neglect and cruelty involved in her hoarding situation in Sculcoates, Hull, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare enforcement.