REBECCA AND JESSICA FIDDES FROM CRAIGAVON SENTENCED FOR HORSE NEGLECT IN ARMAGH

In a case that has drawn significant attention to animal welfare concerns in Northern Ireland, Rebecca Fiddes, also known as Rebecca McCrea, and her daughter Jessica Jayne Fiddes faced justice for their role in neglecting two horses in their care. The incident took place in Craigavon, with the horses being left in deplorable conditions, suffering from severe malnutrition and living amidst filth.

Rebecca Fiddes, born around 1971 and originally from Markethill, along with her daughter Jessica, born circa 1995 and residing in Willow Dean, Armagh, pleaded guilty at Armagh Magistrates Court on Friday, August 17, 2018. The charges stemmed from their failure to provide proper care for the horses, which resulted in unnecessary suffering. The case was initiated by the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council following a report from a concerned member of the public in November 2015, who raised alarms about the horses’ welfare.

Subsequently, an Animal Welfare Officer, accompanied by a veterinary surgeon, conducted a thorough inspection of the property where the horses were kept. The findings were distressing: both animals were found to be extremely malnourished, with no food available to them, and they were living in conditions that could only be described as filthy and neglectful. The severity of their suffering was confirmed by veterinary assessment, leading to the horses being taken into the care of the local council to ensure their safety and proper treatment.

A spokesperson for the council emphasized the importance of this case as a warning to others. They stated, “This ruling will hopefully serve as a reminder to anyone who causes unnecessary suffering to animals that they will be brought before the courts and dealt with appropriately.” The spokesperson further urged the public to report cases of cruelty and neglect, assuring that the Animal Welfare team would investigate thoroughly and take necessary enforcement actions. These could include issuing Improvement Notices, seizing animals, and prosecuting offenders to uphold animal protection laws.

Regarding sentencing, Rebecca Fiddes was fined £500 and received a ban from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, which will expire in August 2028. Her daughter Jessica was fined £250 and was banned from keeping animals for two years, with the ban having expired in August 2020. Both women were also ordered to cover the legal costs associated with the case. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities in Northern Ireland to combat animal cruelty and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.