NICOLE JONES FROM FERRYHILL SENTENCED AFTER DOGS LEFT TO STARVE TO DEATH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Ferryhill, Nicole Jones, a young woman born on 19 May 2000, faced justice after her neglect led to the tragic death of her dogs. Residing at Kitchener Terrace, Jones was found guilty of allowing two of her three dogs to starve to death, a heartbreaking outcome that highlights severe animal cruelty.

Jones, who was 19 years old at the time, admitted to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Her actions, or lack thereof, involved keeping her animals in deplorable conditions, where they were left to scavenge among the clutter and rubbish strewn throughout her home. The conditions inside her residence were described as shocking, with household waste and dog faeces littering the floors and surfaces, creating an environment unfit for any living creature.

On 12 January 2019, RSPCA inspector Garry Palmer visited Jones’ home after receiving reports of animal neglect. Upon arrival, he observed through the windows a scene of chaos and neglect. Inside, he found a young tan and white crossbreed dog, later identified as Gypsy, lying dead next to a chewed-up Pot Noodle carton. The inspector also noted that the other two dogs, a male Rottweiler named Bronson and Gypsy, the grey long-haired lurcher, were both severely underweight and in a state of distress. Gypsy was found curled up on a settee, appearing very weak and listless, barely able to move when Palmer knocked on the window.

Further inspection revealed the extent of the neglect. A tub of fence paint had been knocked over, leaving paw prints on the worktops and even inside the empty fridge. The dogs had been forced to forage through the household rubbish and paint, desperate for food. One of the surviving dogs was found dead next to a chewed-up Pot Noodle carton, a heartbreaking sight that underscored the severity of the situation. The other surviving dog, Bronson, was so emaciated that veterinary staff recommended euthanasia, which was carried out on veterinary advice. Gypsy, however, was rescued and taken to a veterinary clinic for emergency treatment.

Gypsy’s condition was dire, but with immediate care, she responded positively. She was fed small amounts of food and water multiple times daily and gradually regained weight, gaining 45% of her original body weight within less than three weeks. Her recovery was a testament to her resilience and the dedicated efforts of the veterinary team. Sadly, Bronson’s condition was too severe, and he was humanely put to sleep, marking a tragic end for the dog who had suffered so much.

Despite being advised by the RSPCA to seek help in September 2018, Jones ignored this guidance and chose to acquire a third dog, further exacerbating the neglect. Inspector Palmer expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that Jones could have easily contacted the RSPCA for assistance before the situation deteriorated to such a tragic level.

In court, Jones was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to complete a 20-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, pay £400 in costs, and a £115 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping animals for ten years, a ban that cannot be appealed for the first seven years. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the most vulnerable creatures in our society.