ROSEMARY FABB'S CRUELTY IN ROUINGTON: PUPPY FARM AND ANIMAL ABUSE SCANDAL IN NORFOLK

Rosemary Fabb, a woman born around 1941 and residing at Fern Bank on Carr Lane in Roughton, Norwich, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the illegal breeding and mistreatment of dogs. Her conviction in 2018 stemmed from her operation of a puppy farm that lacked proper licensing and failed to meet animal welfare standards.

Fabb's property, located in the rural area of Roughton, was used as an illegal puppy breeding facility where she kept dogs and puppies under deplorable conditions. Investigations revealed that animals were housed in environments that were excessively cold, with inadequate access to food and water, raising serious concerns about their well-being. The charges against her included causing unnecessary suffering to animals, a grave offense highlighting her neglect and disregard for animal welfare laws.

Although Fabb had previously held a license to breed dogs at her site until 2014, she neglected to renew it, which contributed to her illegal activities. The North Norfolk District Council intervened last February when they called in veterinary experts to assess the conditions at her farm. The vets discovered that the facilities were outdated and did not comply with recent legislative changes, which had been implemented to improve animal care standards. The animals found on the premises were unvaccinated and suffering from various health issues, including ear infections, dental diseases, and matted fur covered in faeces and sawdust, indicating severe neglect.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Lynne Shirley revealed that Fabb had threatened an inspector, stating, “I know the mafia, and she’d better look out,” demonstrating her aggressive attitude towards animal welfare officials. Over the years, Fabb had surrendered more than 30 dogs to the RSPCA, but by January 2018, she still retained ten animals, primarily toy poodles, which she continued to breed despite the illegal status of her operation. All the dogs rescued from her farm have since been re-homed by the RSPCA, ensuring they are now in safe and caring environments.

In addition to her puppy farming offences, Fabb's history of animal-related misconduct includes a ban from operating a riding school. In March 2016, she and her son, Ben Fabb, were prohibited from managing Fern Bank Riding School for five years after being prosecuted for running the facility without a license. The North Norfolk District Council had refused to grant a license in January 2015 following a veterinary inspection that raised serious concerns about the health and welfare of the horses kept there.

Veterinary inspector Diana Verhulst reported that the riding school was untidy and unhygienic, with horses that were not properly groomed. The pasture and shelter provided for the animals were deemed inadequate for their needs. The Fabbs claimed that some of their horses had been rescued just weeks before the inspection and were in poor condition upon arrival. Despite these claims, Ben Fabb insisted they cared for their animals “100 percent.”

Fabb was sentenced to 22 weeks in jail, suspended for two years, considering her age and health issues. She was also ordered to pay £12,731 in court costs within a month and was disqualified from keeping and breeding animals until further notice, reflecting the severity of her violations and the ongoing concern for animal welfare in her care.