VICKI HOLLAND OF NEWPORT ABUSED PET MONKEY MILLY IN HORRIFIC CRUELTY CASE

Vicki Holland, born around 1983 and residing on Wordsworth Road in Newport NP19 8HU, has been found guilty of subjecting her pet marmoset monkey, Milly, to months of severe and sadistic abuse. The disturbing case came to light after police investigations uncovered a series of shocking videos and evidence that revealed Holland’s blatant neglect and cruelty towards her animal.

Holland, a mother of four, admitted to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 related to her treatment of Milly. The court was informed that she failed to provide a suitable environment for the primate, neglecting her basic needs and feeding her an inappropriate diet. Marmosets are native to the tropical regions of South America, and when kept as pets in the United Kingdom, owners are required to meet their very specific and complex needs, as explained by prosecutor Aled Watkins.

Despite these requirements, Holland did not provide UVB lighting necessary for the monkey’s health, nor did she furnish an environment that included the environmental enrichment essential for her well-being. Her cage was described as lacking any decor or features that could stimulate the animal mentally or physically. Furthermore, her diet consisted of processed ham, kebabs, and burgers—foods entirely unsuitable for a primate’s nutritional needs.

The abuse and neglect of Milly were further exposed when Gwent Police raided Holland’s property on unrelated drug charges. During the search, officers seized various items, including Holland’s mobile phone. While investigating her device, officers discovered 22 videos that depicted the marmoset in a highly distressed state, which they described as “very disturbing.”

Holland initially lied to police, claiming she had sold Milly a week prior. However, the animal was later found and officially signed over to the RSPCA. Milly was subsequently transferred to Monkey World in Dorset, where specialists continue her care and rehabilitation.

Among the videos presented in court, three were particularly shocking. One showed Milly cowering inside a toilet bowl, visibly distressed, while Holland was heard saying, “I need the toilet,” and contemplating whether to flush the animal. The video captured the moment the toilet was flushed, and Holland called the monkey a “fucking twat.”

Another video revealed Holland offering Milly some bagged cocaine, saying, “Want some coke? Lick my fingers,” which highlighted her reckless and dangerous attitude towards her pet. A third video showed Holland’s dog in close proximity to Milly, with evidence suggesting the dog chased the monkey around the house, which was described as a “dangerous environment” filled with knives and electrical outlets, further endangering the primate.

Prosecutor Watkins emphasized that Holland demonstrated a “total disregard” for the basic care and needs of her pet, describing her actions as “deliberate infliction” rather than mere neglect. This case was compounded by Holland’s previous conviction in May 2021, when she and her partner, Russell Cox, 43, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine. Police had found £1,600 worth of cocaine hidden inside Kinder eggs at her home in Cwmbran.

Russell Cox was sentenced to 30 months in prison, while Holland received a suspended sentence of 20 months. The case of Milly’s abuse drew condemnation from animal welfare advocates, including Steph Sawyer, team leader at the organization responsible for Milly’s rehabilitation. Sawyer described Milly as “the most terrified marmoset I have ever seen,” explaining that she initially refused to eat or move and would only freeze and hide from humans.

Despite her progress, Milly’s mental scars remain evident. Dr. Alison Cronin, director of Monkey World, expressed her deep sorrow over the case, stating, “Milly’s case was tragic and heartbreaking. She spent her life living in fear and was subjected to cruelty that is the worst I have seen in more than 30 years of rescuing primates.” She added that Milly will likely never fully recover psychologically but has found some solace in the companionship of another monkey, Moon.

RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels also commented on the case, condemning Holland’s actions and emphasizing the cruelty involved. She described the videos as showing Holland offering Milly cocaine and the monkey’s terrified reaction in the toilet bowl, with Holland shouting and swearing during the footage. An independent veterinarian confirmed that Milly was suffering unnecessarily due to her treatment.

Holland was sentenced to a 12-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, along with 120 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £568 in costs and was disqualified from owning any animals indefinitely, with a minimum disqualification period of five years. The case has once again highlighted the importance of understanding the complex needs of primates and the dangers of keeping such animals as pets in domestic environments.