CONVICTED (2023) | Jackie Priestley, born c 1967, of Haynes Street, Keighley BD21 4PY – for cruelty to two rabbits who died from neglect.
Jackie Priestley was banned from keeping caged animals after two female lop-eared rabbits in her care were described in court as having “clearly suffered prior to their death.”
The RSPCA visited Priestley’s home in November 2021 to investigate a report that rabbits had been abandoned at the property.
RSPCA prosecutor Philip Brown described the visit. He said: “The defendant allowed access to the premises – the property was cluttered.
“The two rabbits were in small animal transport cages in the front room. The inspector was directed into the living room – but the defendant declined to go in.
“The inspector saw the two rabbits. One was sitting up and seemed disinterested in its environment. He concluded that the other rabbit was deceased.
“When asked why she didn’t want to come into the living room the defendant said she didn’t want to see a dead rabbit.
“She didn’t show any concern that a rabbit had passed away.”
The inspector saw a water bottle on its side, with green algae in the few millimetres of water. The cage was covered in rabbit faeces. There was no roughage available, only the remains of some lettuce.
The surviving rabbit was described as being in a “very poor condition” with Mr Brown describing her as “moribund and dehydrated,” severely depressed and suffering bites from another animal.
The rabbit was put down to relieve her suffering.
Mr Brown said: “There is clear evidence these animals suffered prior to their death.”
The court heard that Priestley had claimed the rabbits had been “foisted upon her” and she had no choice but to take them in.
Mr Brown said: “She said she was sick of them and didn’t want them.”
Magistrates were told that the RSPCA had previously visited the home in May 2021, when Priestley had the rabbits. She was given advice and literature about how to look after rabbits. Mr Brown said she could have asked for help or for the rabbits to be removed then.
Mr Rehman, defending Priestley, said the rabbits had been dumped on her doorstep. He said Priestley had numerous health conditions, and “would say she did the best she could.”
He added: “Her actions were well intentioned but incompetent.”
Sentencing | 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation days.
Disqualified from keeping any caged animals, rabbits or birds (period unspecified).