DANIELA BERNDORFER'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN CLACTON-ON-SEA REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Daniela Berndorfer, born in 1970 and residing at Gainsford Gardens in Clacton-on-Sea, was found guilty of severely neglecting her two beloved cocker spaniels, Freckles and Amber. The case has drawn significant attention due to the shocking condition of the dogs and the subsequent veterinary findings that confirmed their suffering.

According to reports, the neglect was so severe that both dogs required urgent medical intervention after being brought to a local grooming salon. The owner of the grooming establishment, who has 15 years of experience in dog grooming, described the dogs' condition as the worst she had encountered in her career. She detailed that Freckles was extremely dirty, with matted fur and a strong smell of urine. The dog's breath was foul, with pus visibly emanating from her mouth, indicating a severe infection. Amber, on the other hand, took two hours to groom due to the extent of her matted hair, which had not been properly cared for in at least two years.

Concerned by the dogs' condition, the salon owner reported the case to the RSPCA, prompting an inspection of Berndorfer’s residence. The authorities discovered that the dogs were owned jointly by Daniela Berndorfer and her 77-year-old mother, Gillian. Both animals were seized immediately and taken for urgent veterinary treatment. Veterinarians examined the dogs at a clinic in Colchester, where the severity of their suffering was confirmed.

Freckles was found to have a severe mouth infection, with maggots present in her hair, and nine teeth had to be extracted to alleviate her pain. Amber’s condition was equally dire; her mouth was heavily discharging, and she was drooling excessively over her front legs and chest. Due to the extent of her injuries, 19 teeth were removed. The veterinary assessment concluded that both dogs had been in extreme pain for a prolonged period, likely due to neglect and lack of proper care.

Further investigation revealed that Berndorfer’s mother, Gillian, was also involved in the ownership of the dogs. However, due to her advanced age and serious health issues, she was given a formal caution and was not required to appear before the magistrates. Daniela Berndorfer, who had previously resided in Kettering, admitted to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. It was also revealed that she had been cautioned in 2014 regarding the welfare of these same dogs.

The court was shown recent photographs depicting the appalling state of the dogs’ fur and the infected condition of their mouths. One such image highlighted the discharge visible beneath the matted hair, which had been cracked open, revealing the extent of neglect.

In sentencing, Daniela Berndorfer received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, she was banned from owning or keeping any animals until further notice, in an effort to prevent further cruelty. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the Clacton-on-Sea area.