JACKIE WADE'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN KILBIRNIE REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Jackie Wade, a resident of Kilbirnie, has been found guilty of severe cruelty and neglect towards her pets. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) conducted an extensive investigation into her home on Borestone Avenue, uncovering conditions that have been described as some of the worst ever encountered by the organization.

On June 28, 2022, SSPCA inspectors responded to a complaint received via their animal helpline, which reported a strong smell of urine emanating from Wade's property and a significant accumulation of dog feces in the garden. When the inspectors arrived, no one was at home, but the sounds of barking from inside the house and the overpowering ammonia scent confirmed the presence of distressed animals. A calling card was left at the property, prompting Wade to contact the SSPCA the following day.

Upon their return, inspectors found Wade in the garden with four dogs, while another dog was barking inside the house. The garden was overgrown, filthy, and strewn with dog feces, indicating neglect and poor hygiene. Inside the residence, the conditions were even more appalling. The shared living space for the dogs and cats was described as 'filthy,' with floors and surfaces covered in feces, urine, thick dirt, grime, and mud. The kitchen was cluttered with clothing, food, and rubbish piled high, with a narrow pathway through the mess leading into a hallway that was equally contaminated.

The interior of the house was characterized by a pervasive stench of ammonia that caused the inspectors' eyes to sting. The bedding on the sofa was filthy, stained with feces and mud, and the litter trays for the cats were similarly filthy, with feces, urine, and mud splattered on the walls. Upstairs, the conditions deteriorated further. One bedroom contained three bedframes pushed together, two of which were overflowing with feces, resembling neglected, oversized litter trays. Wade explained that these were for Daegan, a 10-year-old German pointer, whom she claimed she couldn't walk or have outside due to his strength and barking. Instead, she used the bedframes as makeshift toilets for him.

Due to the deplorable conditions and concerns for the animals' welfare, all were immediately removed from the property. The animals included Daegan, a seven-year-old pointer named Jenny, a six-year-old pointer called Dougal, another six-year-old pointer named Bodach, Winnie, a ten-year-old pointer, and seven cats named Jamie, Davros, Murtagh, Angus, Time Lord, Briannia, and Captain Jack. Veterinary examinations revealed that Captain Jack had a tumor on his tail and an ear infection, while Davros was found to have ear and dental issues. Wade admitted to treating the tumor with a poultice made of butter and sugar and cleaning Davros' ears with Johnson's ear cleaner.

Tragically, the severity of their medical conditions led to the euthanasia of Captain Jack and Davros on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering. The remaining dogs, which belonged to the charity Pointers in Need, were returned to their care. Wade refused to relinquish ownership of the remaining four cats, leading to a decision notice served to transfer ownership to the Scottish SPCA to ensure their ongoing welfare. No appeals were made against this decision.

Inspector Bell, who led the investigation, described the case as one of gross neglect and stated that the living conditions in Wade's home were the worst he had encountered in his three years with the SSPCA. He emphasized that the environment was clearly unsuitable for any living creature, let alone animals. Wade demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of proper animal care and treatment, especially when it came to addressing injuries or health issues.

Wade was sentenced to a 12-month supervision order and received a three-year ban on owning or keeping animals, which will expire in June 2026. While the ban is a positive step, Inspector Bell expressed disappointment that it was not longer, given the extent of the neglect. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement to prevent such horrific conditions from recurring in Kilbirnie and beyond.