A woman described in court as an "evil magician" for her ability to conceal horrific animal suffering has been jailed and handed a lifetime ban on keeping animals.
RSPCA inspectors executed a warrant at a property in Wigan, Greater Manchester, where they were met with a scene of utter squalor and despair. The investigation uncovered a clandestine puppy farming operation where profit was prioritised over the most basic welfare of the vulnerable animals.
Sharon Helen Judge, 58, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to three animal welfare offences.
A House of Horrors
Upon entering the property, officials discovered a nightmare scenario. The air was thick with the stench of ammonia from urine and faeces, causing their eyes to water and throats to burn.
Among the living animals found in cages and pens, inspectors made several tragic discoveries:
- A deceased Shih Tzu-type dog lying in a pen
- A dead puppy found hidden inside a cardboard box
- Another puppy clinging to life, but in such poor condition it had to be immediately euthanised to end its suffering
Many of the surviving dogs were found to be suffering from severe skin conditions, eye infections, and matted fur caked in excrement.
The Full Extent of the Suffering
Veterinary evidence presented to the court painted a devastating picture of systemic neglect. One expert stated that the animals had been left to suffer in completely unacceptable conditions for a considerable period.
The court heard how the defendant had failed to provide:
- Adequate veterinary care for obvious health conditions
- Basic hygiene and clean living environments
- Proper nutrition and access to fresh water
- Any semblance of compassionate care
In addition to her prison sentence and lifetime animal ban, Judge was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
Justice Served But Scars Remain
RSPCA Inspector Deborah Beats, who led the investigation, welcomed the sentencing but emphasised the lasting trauma inflicted on the animals.
"This was among the worst cases of animal neglect I have encountered in my career," she stated. "The conditions these dogs were forced to endure were nothing short of horrific. While we're pleased with the lifetime ban, no sentence can undo the suffering these animals endured."
The surviving dogs have been taken into RSPCA care and are undergoing rehabilitation before being found new, loving homes.
