MARTIN JONES SHIREBROOK HORROR: HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN ABANDONED HOME

In March 2017, authorities uncovered a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty at a property located in Hillsway, Shirebrook. The residence, once owned by the late mother of Martin Jones, became a scene of unimaginable squalor and suffering, revealing the extent of neglect that had taken hold over time.

Concerned members of the public contacted the RSPCA after noticing the deteriorating condition of the property. Inspector Deborah Scotcher was dispatched to investigate the reports. Upon initial inspection through the window, she observed what appeared to be a cluttered and messy room filled with furniture and general rubbish. However, once inside, the full horror of the situation was revealed.

Inspector Scotcher described the scene as horrific: “There were 30 cats and a ferret living in this bungalow, all feral and left to fend for themselves. The house had become completely overrun with animals, and the conditions inside were appalling. Animal faeces were so abundant that in some areas, they were waist-high and embedded into surfaces throughout the property.”

She further explained that the animals had no other place to relieve themselves, resorting to defecating on top of wardrobes and kitchen surfaces. The house was dark, damp, and uninhabitable for both humans and animals. The environment was so dire that it felt almost unreal to those who entered.

It was revealed that Martin Jones had initially placed two cats in the house, but over time, these animals interbred, leading to a large, feral population. Jones was seen visiting the property and throwing food inside, but he had no way of knowing whether all the animals were eating properly. Many of the cats were so feral that handling them required thick gauntlet gloves, highlighting their extreme lack of socialization and contact with humans.

Over the course of three weeks, the RSPCA removed the animals from the property. Cat traps were set and checked daily, and each animal was examined by a veterinarian who had firsthand knowledge of the conditions inside the house. Sadly, some of the cats were euthanized on veterinary advice due to suffering from feline AIDS and other health issues. Many of these animals had never experienced human contact and had lived their entire lives in neglect.

Fortunately, some of the cats and the ferret were rehomed after rescue efforts. The case resulted in Martin Jones being sentenced to an 18-week prison term, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £115 victim surcharge. A lifetime disqualification order was also imposed, prohibiting him from keeping animals in the future.

This case highlights the severe consequences of animal cruelty and neglect, and the importance of vigilance and intervention by authorities to protect vulnerable creatures from such horrific conditions.