JEMMA BISHOP'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN NEWTON ABBOT LEADS TO JAIL SENTENCE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Jemma Bishop, a woman from Newton Abbot, Devon, was found guilty of leaving her pets to suffer and die in an abandoned property. The incident, which drew the attention of local authorities and animal welfare organizations, highlights the severity of her actions and the consequences she faced.

Jemma Bishop, born around 1988, appeared before magistrates in Plymouth to answer charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to animals, in violation of Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Her case involved the abandonment of a Staffordshire bull terrier named Cass and a hamster named Steve, both of whom were left to endure extreme neglect and starvation.

The distressing discovery was made when RSPCA inspectors responded to reports of an emaciated dog and a dead hamster at a property located in Kingsteignton, near Newton Abbot. Upon arrival, they found Cass in a dire state, with every bone visibly protruding from his body, having been deprived of food and water for more than two weeks. The hamster, Steve, was found in his cage, starved to death, a tragic testament to the neglect inflicted upon these helpless animals.

Details of the case reveal that Bishop, a mother of four, had abandoned her pets in a state of extreme suffering. The RSPCA's deputy chief inspector, Suzy Hannaby, expressed her outrage over the case, stating, “These animals were dependent on Bishop and she betrayed their trust by thoughtlessly leaving them to suffer without a care for their welfare. She could have handed her animals over to the RSPCA or another animal charity when she was aware she was no longer willing to care for them but instead decided to simply abandon them to die after a period of prolonged suffering.”

Fortunately, Cass was rescued just in time. When found, he was on the brink of death, but thanks to the dedicated efforts of the RSPCA team at Little Valley, he was given the necessary care and treatment. Over time, Cass recovered from his emaciated condition and gained weight, eventually finding a new loving home with a caring family that provided him with the love and attention he deserved.

Jemma Bishop was subsequently sentenced to 13 weeks in prison for her role in the cruelty. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping animals for ten years, a ban that will remain in effect until May 2028. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the legal repercussions for those who neglect their responsibilities as pet owners.