Bega Valley's Janice Denny to spend months in jail over animal cruelty offences

Janice Louise Denny, 61, was jailed by the Bega Local Court. Photo: Ian Campbell.

A Bega Valley woman with a history of offences against animals has been sent to jail and banned from keeping a pet for a decade over several animal cruelty-related charges.

Janice Louise Denny was sentenced to a total of 15 months’ jail with a non-parole period of six months which means she will be released from custody on parole in September 2023.

“This custodial sentence sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated,” RSPCA NSW chief inspector Scott Meyers said.

“Those who repeatedly neglect the animals in their care can expect firm punishment, including imprisonment, as we have witnessed.

“This case has been complex, costly, and lengthy, spanning over many years. We are incredibly relieved to see an outcome that reflects the true seriousness of the defendant’s crimes.”

The 61-year-old, who is also known as Janice Northey, appeared in the Bega Local Court for her sentencing by Magistrate Doug Dick on Wednesday (15 March).

She was convicted on three counts of being in charge of an animal and failing to provide vet treatment and one count of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to an animal.

The Tantawangalo resident was sentenced on those charges as well as others that included committing an act of aggravated cruelty on an animal and failing to comply with a court order regarding the possession of an animal.

Magistrate Dick ordered her to forfeit 45 horses and ponies as well as to dispose of any horses or ponies still in her care within a month after she is released from custody.

Denny was also ordered not to buy or keep an animal for 10 years, which means she will be in her 70s when she is next legally allowed to have a pet.

She must also pay $452,623 in expenses for animal care as well as $23,288 in professional costs to the RSCPA and will serve a three-year community corrections order that ends in March 2026.

She was also fined $16,000.

Original Article published by Albert McKnight on About Regional.