JORDAN TAYLOR OF LOFTHOUSE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND RABBITS IN WAKEFIELD

Jordan Alicia Taylor, a resident of Lofthouse, Wakefield, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, including a Labrador named Bumper and an Estrela Mountain Dog named Sha. The case drew significant attention after authorities discovered the tragic state of the animals on her property.

Taylor, who had been involved in handling show dogs since she was approximately eight years old and had once described herself as a 'natural talent,' faced charges after Bumper was found dead in a shed located in her garden. The discovery was made during an investigation prompted by concerns over the dog's condition. Bumper, a Labrador that was previously owned by Tracy Douglas from Belfast, was in a severely emaciated state when found. Her body was discovered lying in a shed in Taylor’s backyard, with evidence indicating it had been dead for at least three weeks. Taylor admitted that Bumper had been dead for two weeks, claiming the dog had liver issues. However, a post-mortem examination revealed that Bumper was in good health prior to starvation, confirming that the dog had suffered from neglect.

In addition to Bumper, authorities found Sha, an Estrela Mountain Dog, suffering from severe weight loss. Sha was returned to her breeder, Trisha Dean, after being rescued from Taylor’s property. The investigation also uncovered the remains of a starved rabbit kept in a cage at Taylor’s residence, further highlighting the extent of animal neglect.

Tracy Douglas, who had a close relationship with Taylor and had entrusted her with Bumper, expressed her shock and disappointment. She explained that she and Taylor had been good friends, often attending dog shows and holidays together. Douglas recounted that Taylor had asked her if she could have a Labrador and if she could keep Bumper. She described her friendship with Taylor as close, with regular communication and updates about their dogs. Douglas revealed that she was supposed to meet Taylor at a dog show in Manchester but was disappointed when Taylor did not show up, citing illness as the reason. She later learned that Bumper was not with Taylor and that the dog was missing.

Concerned, Douglas arranged for a friend living near Wakefield to check on Bumper. It was then that the friend was told that Bumper was not there. The RSPCA was called in, and Bumper was found lying in a shed in Taylor’s backyard. The dog’s body had been there for a minimum of three weeks, and Taylor admitted that the dog had been dead for two weeks. Despite her claims that Bumper had liver issues, the post-mortem confirmed that the dog was healthy before being starved to death. Douglas expressed her heartbreak and frustration, stating, “Words cannot express how I am feeling. We want justice for Bumper and the Estrela. I don’t understand it, as there is a network of people to help her. Ninety percent of her friends on Facebook are dog people.”

During her court appearance, Taylor appeared unconcerned, laughing as she entered the courtroom, which further angered those advocating for animal welfare. The court sentenced her on June 8, 2017, to a 17-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, she was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, attend 30 rehabilitation sessions, and pay fines totaling £315. Importantly, Taylor was banned from keeping animals for life as part of her sentence.

Tracy Douglas concluded with a poignant remark, expressing her pain over Taylor’s deception, saying, “What hurts the most is that she blatantly lied to my face and told me Bumper was alive.” The case served as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can occur behind closed doors and the importance of vigilant animal welfare enforcement in Wakefield and beyond.