JANE HARVEY FROM LIVERSEDGE SENTENCED FOR STARVING FERRETS TO DEATH IN HORRIFIC CRUELTY CASE

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Jane Harvey, a resident of Twelfth Avenue in Liversedge, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two ferrets through neglect and starvation. The incident came to light in February 2018 when RSPCA inspectors conducted a routine visit to her home, uncovering a heartbreaking scene that highlighted the severity of her neglect.

During the inspection, the inspectors examined three ferret hutches located in the backyard of Harvey's residence. Shockingly, they discovered no signs of food or water in any of the enclosures. Inside one of the hutches, they found a ferret named Panda in a mummified state, indicating prolonged starvation and dehydration. Another ferret, named Buttons, was found dead and in an emaciated condition, with evidence of severe muscle wastage, which is a clear sign that the animal had been deprived of nourishment over an extended period.

Prosecutor Andrew Davidson described the scene as indicative of a 'prolonged' period of neglect, emphasizing the cruelty inflicted upon the animals. The investigation revealed that the ferrets had suffered immensely due to Harvey's failure to provide basic care, leading to their tragic deaths.

Harvey admitted to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, acknowledging her role in the neglect. The court sentenced her to 60 hours of unpaid work and ordered her to pay a total of £570 in fines, costs, and charges. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any pets, other than dogs, for a period of 12 months, a ban that expired in August 2019.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can occur behind closed doors in seemingly ordinary homes.