In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Jade Louise Devey, then 23, now of Lindsay Avenue, Lupset, Wakefield, avoided immediate imprisonment for the “horrific” neglect of her dog. On 16 January 2026, Devey appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after her 12-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, named ‘Dray Dray,’ was left to die a slow and distressing death in a vacant property.
The investigation established that the neglect occurred at a property in Bronte Walk, Bridlington, North Yorkshire. In January 2024, an RSPCA officer visited the home following reports of an abandoned dog and sealed the door with tape to monitor entry. Although Devey returned two days later and claimed the dog was in good condition, she subsequently abandoned the premises without the animal. On 22 March 2024, the landlord discovered Dray Dray’s emaciated body surrounded by piles of faeces and dried urine. A post-mortem examination reported that the dog likely died from dehydration and starvation, suffering “greatly and unnecessarily” for at least three weeks before his death.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
District Judge Curtis emphasised the “vile” nature of the neglect, stating, “This is a very serious case. It was incumbent upon you to look after this dog, and you failed comprehensively to do so.” The court reported that the dog was so weak in its final days that it developed pressure sores from being unable to move. The prosecution emphasised that Devey had intentionally vacated the property and left the animal to perish alone without food or water.
The court also noted Devey’s previous associations, including her relationship with convicted paedophile Richard Lister. The prosecution reported that Devey was fully aware of Lister’s depraved offending—which involved inciting children into sexual acts—yet she chose to stand by him and continued the relationship even when he breached his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). For her crimes in Bridlington, the court determined that Devey’s failure to provide the “normal expected standard of animal care” warranted a criminal conviction and a permanent ban on keeping animals.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For her crimes in North Yorkshire, Jade Louise Devey was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Six months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
- Unpaid Work: 100 hours of community service.
- Disqualification Order: Banned from owning or keeping all animals for life.
- Financial Penalties: Ordered to pay costs and surcharges totalling £904.
- Convictions: Pled guilty to two offences of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Devey is subject to supervision by the National Probation Service during her 24-month suspended sentence period. Her lifetime disqualification from owning animals is a mandatory order, and any breach—such as being found in possession of or living with an animal—will result in an immediate arrest and the activation of her six-month prison term.
Authorities in Wakefield and Bridlington state that the “extremely distressing” way in which Dray Dray died highlights the necessity of the lifetime ban. The RSPCA emphasised that it will continue to monitor individuals subject to disqualification orders to ensure no further animals are placed at risk. Devey was warned by the court that any further offending or failure to complete her 100 hours of unpaid work will result in her being returned before a judge for immediate incarceration.
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