JACKIE DRAPER'S HORRIFIC DOG BREEDING SCANDAL IN MARCH AND CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Jackie Draper, formerly known as Jackie Painter, was born on November 21, 1985, and has become notorious for her illegal dog breeding activities in the March area, with previous ties to Wardy Hill near Ely, Cambridgeshire. Her operations, carried out in deplorable conditions, involved the breeding of 'designer' dogs during the COVID-19 lockdown period, with the primary aim of profiting from inflated prices. Draper’s activities not only flouted licensing laws but also subjected numerous animals to severe neglect and suffering.

Originally from Harlow, Essex, Draper maintained strong family connections to that region, yet her illegal breeding enterprise was based in March, where she resided at an unspecified address. Her rented semi-detached house became a breeding ground for misery, housing 44 dogs and puppies in conditions that were nothing short of appalling. The property was found to be severely unsanitary, with no access to water for the animals. Faeces and urine were scattered across the floors, and the garden was littered with waste, broken glass, and debris, creating a hazardous environment for the animals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Draper bred a total of 23 litters of puppies, many of whom were underweight and in need of urgent veterinary attention. Some of these puppies were sold at prices reaching up to £5,000 each, reflecting her attempt to capitalize on the high demand for designer breeds during the lockdown. The animals included French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Boston Terriers, and Poodles, many of which were found to be suffering from health issues such as diarrhoea with blood and severe malnutrition.

Concerns about her activities first surfaced in August 2020 when a joint inspection was carried out by the East Cambridgeshire District Council dog warden and an RSPCA officer. They responded to complaints about sick puppies being sold from Draper’s property. Upon arrival, they discovered a distressing scene: underweight French Bulldogs, a female Pomeranian, Boston Terriers, and Poodles, all in poor health. Draper was advised to cease all trading immediately, as she did not possess the necessary breeding license. She was instructed to take the French Bulldogs to veterinary clinics for treatment, as they were suffering from diarrhoea and were severely underweight.

Despite her assurances to the council that she would only breed once she obtained a license, Draper continued her illegal activities. She later emailed the authorities claiming she intended to apply for a license before resuming breeding, but no such application was ever submitted. Instead, she persisted in breeding and selling puppies, often advertising them online. Investigations revealed her active presence on social media, where she maintained a page with nearly 2,000 followers, used to promote her puppies for sale.

In August 2022, authorities executed a warrant at Draper’s residence, leading to the discovery of a significant number of animals. Police, council officers, and a veterinary surgeon found 14 adult dogs, including two heavily pregnant females, along with 14 older puppies and 16 newborns. Many of these animals were in dire health; 23 dogs had a body condition score of 3 or lower, indicating severe malnutrition, with visible bones and poor muscle mass. The puppies, being too young for assessment, were also in poor condition.

Among the animals rescued was Ronnie, a chocolate Cocker Spaniel puppy who was so severely anaemic, malnourished, and emaciated that he collapsed upon arrival at the veterinary clinic. He was immediately given emergency care and was later assigned a body condition score of just 1 out of 9. Several other dogs suffered from major flea infestations and ear mites, while a Jack Russell Terrier crossed with a Chihuahua required intensive round-the-clock nursing. A Cockapoo was described by a groomer as the worst case of grooming neglect they had seen in 15 years.

Draper’s neglect extended to a seven-year-old Cavachon named Daisy, who was found in poor health and had been bred three times consecutively despite suffering from seizures. Further investigations revealed that between 2020 and 2022, she had bred more than 23 litters, including breeds such as Cavapoochons, French Bulldogs, Froodles, Standard Poodles, Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels, and Cavapoos. Evidence recovered from her property included ultrasound equipment, breeding manuals, and a business plan indicating her intent to profit from her breeding activities.

The court heard that Draper’s operations were deliberate, organized, and motivated solely by financial gain, with little regard for the welfare of the animals involved. It was clear that she was fully aware that the level of care she provided was inadequate and that her actions caused unnecessary suffering. Throughout the period of her illegal activities, Draper was claiming Universal Credit, despite her involvement in these lucrative breeding schemes.

She pleaded guilty to three charges: breeding and advertising dogs without a license, failing to meet the five welfare needs of 44 dogs, and causing unnecessary suffering to Ronnie, the male chocolate Cocker Spaniel puppy. Her solicitor argued that she had received some of the dogs from family members, had taken some to the vet, and that her ex-partner was the main driver behind the breeding enterprise.

District Judge Sheraton sentenced Draper to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months. She was also given a two-month suspended sentence for each of the other two offences, to run concurrently. Additionally, she was ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activities, attend 12 sessions of mental health counseling, perform 200 hours of unpaid work, and contribute £5,000 towards the prosecution costs of £40,000. Furthermore, she was banned from keeping or caring for any animals for a period of 10 years.

Following her rescue, Ronnie is now thriving in his new home, having been saved from a life of misery and neglect. A spokesperson for East Cambridgeshire District Council confirmed that all the animals rescued from Draper’s property have since been re-homed, including Ronnie and Daisy, who are now under the care of two council officers. This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding illegal dog breeding and the importance of strict enforcement to protect vulnerable animals from such cruelty.