KEIGHLEY WOMAN JACKIE PRIESTLEY CONVICTED OF RABBIT CRUELTY IN SHOCKING CASE

In a distressing case that has shocked the community of Keighley, Jackie Priestley, born around 1967 and residing on Haynes Street, was found guilty in 2023 of cruelty towards two rabbits under her care. The court heard that her neglect led to the tragic deaths of both animals, highlighting serious concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in the area.

Priestley's failure to properly care for the rabbits was brought to light during a visit by the RSPCA in November 2021. The investigation was initiated after reports indicated that rabbits had been abandoned at her property. Upon arrival, the RSPCA inspector observed a cluttered home environment, with the animals confined in small transport cages placed in the front room. The inspector was allowed access to the premises but was not permitted into the main living area, as Priestley declined to enter.

During the inspection, the inspector saw two female lop-eared rabbits. One was sitting upright but appeared disinterested in its surroundings, while the other was found to be deceased. When questioned about her reluctance to enter the living room, Priestley explained that she did not want to see the dead rabbit, showing no apparent concern for the animal’s passing. The living rabbit was found in a deplorable state: her water bottle was on its side with green algae in the remaining water, and her cage was covered in rabbit feces. The only food available was some leftover lettuce, with no hay or roughage present.

The surviving rabbit was described as being in very poor health, with the RSPCA prosecutor Philip Brown stating she was “moribund and dehydrated,” severely depressed, and suffering from bites inflicted by another animal. Due to her suffering, the rabbit was euthanized to prevent further distress. Mr. Brown emphasized that there was clear evidence that both rabbits had endured suffering prior to their deaths, underscoring the neglect involved.

During the court proceedings, Priestley claimed that the rabbits had been “foisted upon her” and that she had no choice but to take them in. She also expressed her frustration, stating she was “sick of them and didn’t want them.” The court was informed that the RSPCA had previously visited Priestley’s home in May 2021, when she still had the rabbits. At that time, she was given advice and literature on proper rabbit care, and it was suggested she could seek help or have the animals removed if she was unable to care for them properly. However, she did not take further action.

Defending Priestley, Mr. Rehman argued that the rabbits had been dumped on her doorstep and that she suffered from numerous health conditions. He claimed that her actions, although ultimately neglectful, were carried out with good intentions but lacked competence. The court responded by imposing a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, Priestley was disqualified from keeping any caged animals, including rabbits and birds, for an unspecified period. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals in the Keighley area.