Feering: More than 30 dogs re-homed as woman is convicted of animal neglect

More than 30 dogs and a pony which were being kept in squalor by their owner have either found new homes or are now being well cared for by the RSPCA thanks to the work of our dedicated officers.

Officers working alongside the RSPCA, Braintree District Council and vets obtained an emergency warrant on April 9 2021 after being alerted to animals being kept in worrying conditions at an address in Feering.

When they executed the warrant, they seized 37 dogs and puppies and a pony, all of which were taken to the RSPCA for care.

The dogs were being kept in a room which smelt strongly of urine and faeces and were stacked in small, heavily soiled crates which were barely big enough to stand or turn around in. Some of the were puppies in pairs making even less space for them in those inadequate crates.

The pony was described by an independent vet as having “very poor body condition” which “would have made it feel lethargic, cold and depressed”.

Thanks to the actions of our officers and partners, each of the dogs have been re-homed or are in the process of being re-homed.

Natalie Scott, 38, of Langley Green, Feering, was arrested on suspicion of a number of animal welfare offences.

She subsequently admitted causing unnecessary suffering by being neglectful and failing to ensure the welfare of 33 dogs.

During a sentencing hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Wednesday 7 September, she was given a two-year community order and must complete 220 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from owning all animals for ten years.

She will not be able to apply for that ban to be lifted for at least eight years.

Our investigation was led by PCs Jasmine Thorndyke and Jeff Russell, of the Braintree Town Centre Team. They said:

“This has been one of our most challenging and emotive investigations we have dealt with in our careers.
"We have worked collaboratively with agencies such as the RSPCA, Braintree District Council, the Crown Prosecution Service and independent vets to achieve the best outcome possible for all animals involved in this case.
“We would like to thank all the wonderful people and organisations who have assisted us with this investigation. Especially the kennels and all the staff for looking after our animals so well and providing them with a home.
“We would like to invite you to join us in wishing all of our animals the very best futures in their new homes.
“Throughout this investigation we have personally got to know all the animals individually and spent rests day walking, fussing and cuddling them. All that's left to say from us we hope every animal enjoys their new homes and be spoilt rotten.”

Ashley Petchey, a Senior Crown Prosecutor in the CPS East of England Area, said:

“This upsetting case serves to highlight the need for owners to ensure they are able to correctly look after the animals they are responsible for and that they are provided with the right level of care according to their needs.
“The CPS will seek to prosecute those who cause suffering or fail to look after the needs of their animals when our legal test is met.”