RACHEAL GUDGE OF PENNYWELL FACES COURT OVER ABANDONED BEARDED DRAGONS IN SUNDERLAND

In a distressing case that has shocked the local community of Pennywell, Sunderland, Racheal Gudge, born around 1982 and residing on Pennycross Road, was found guilty of neglecting her pet bearded dragons, leading to their suffering and eventual death. The incident came to light after a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA, raising alarms about the welfare of two bearded dragons left unattended in an empty property for an extended period of at least six weeks.

Authorities responded swiftly, with an RSPCA inspector gaining access to the vacant premises on Petersham Road, Pennywell, after attempts to contact the tenant had failed. The landlord’s agent facilitated entry into the property, where the inspector discovered the two reptiles in a dire state of health. The reptiles, which had been suffering from neglect, were immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for assessment and treatment.

Veterinary examination revealed that both bearded dragons were suffering from severe cold and had empty stomachs, indicating prolonged malnutrition and exposure. Tragically, the female dragon succumbed overnight due to her critical condition, while the male’s health deteriorated rapidly, necessitating humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.

In his statement, the veterinarian emphasized the importance of proper environmental conditions for reptiles, stating, “Reptiles are reliant on their environments for adequate health and welfare, and thus not providing these results in suffering. Reptiles can survive long periods of starvation with minimal effects, however due to their quick deterioration it is clear that their needs have not been met, and thus they have been suffering, for some time – at least the six weeks reported, if not much longer.”

RSPCA inspector Suzanne Edgar expressed her distress over the case, saying, “This was a very distressing incident which caused prolonged suffering – leading to the death of these two little pet bearded dragons. Abandoning an animal is never acceptable and should never be an option. We do understand that people’s circumstances may change, but if anyone is struggling to cope with their pet, we would urge them to reach out for help from experts, friends or family, or charities like ourselves.”

She further highlighted the risks associated with abandoning exotic pets, noting that many such animals end up in rescue centers after owners realize they are difficult to care for or lose interest. Some are even released into the wild, posing invasive species threats to native wildlife. The case resulted in Gudge being fined £120, ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge, and £200 in legal costs. Additionally, she was banned from keeping reptiles for five years, reflecting the seriousness of her neglect and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in the region.