SARAH JORDAN OF LEYLAND CONVICTED OVER HORRIFIC RAT CRUELTY CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates, Sarah Jordan, also known as Sarah Heinzl, a rat breeder from Leyland, has been found guilty of neglecting over 100 domestic rats kept in deplorable conditions. The incident came to light after a visit from RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Jess Pierce, accompanied by a veterinarian, to Jordan’s residence on Haig Avenue, Leyland, PR25 2DD, on 18 April 2023.

According to Officer Pierce’s detailed statement presented in court, the inspection revealed a scene of severe neglect and environmental neglect. Upon entering the property, the overwhelming stench of ammonia immediately struck the officers, causing discomfort and difficulty in breathing. The rats were confined within a single room, which was the first door on the right upon entry. Inside, two large cages and three smaller cages were densely packed with rats, with additional loose rodents roaming freely in the room.

The cages, although equipped with bedding and enrichment items, lacked any fresh food or water. The room itself was uncomfortably warm, further stressing the animals. Several rats exhibited skin conditions and poor physical health, with one young rat seen drinking from a radiator leak. Officer Pierce recounted having to leave the room periodically due to the ammonia fumes causing headaches and respiratory issues. She also noted the presence of electrical wiring and disinfectant solutions amidst the chaos.

It was observed that 38 rats of various ages and sexes were loose in the room, while 74 others were confined within four cages, all suffering from soiled bedding, dehydration, and malnutrition. The animals displayed signs of stress and poor health, including fur loss, scabbing, a missing half of a tail, and a large untreated wound on the back of one rat’s neck. The veterinarian who examined the animals at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital confirmed that the environment was unsafe, unclean, and lacked basic necessities such as food and water for days. The overcrowding in three of the four cages had persisted over several months, with many of the rats being over six months old, and some pregnant.

During her interview with the RSPCA, Jordan admitted to purchasing four male and three female rats from someone in Preston. She claimed to breed them for sale, asserting that she only sold to ‘the best homes’ and that the profits were used solely for the animals’ care, not for personal financial gain. She acknowledged that some of the rats were pregnant at the time. Following veterinary advice, three rats in the worst condition were euthanized. The remaining animals were taken into the care of various RSPCA centers across the county, with many already finding new, loving homes.

Jordan faced multiple charges under the Animal Welfare Act and pleaded guilty to four offences. Her sentencing included a four-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a 60-day curfew. Additionally, she was banned from keeping all animals except cats for a period of 15 years, reflecting the severity of her neglect and the need to prevent future incidents of animal cruelty in Leyland and beyond.