July 17th 2024.
Jodie Marsh, a former model, recently faced disappointment when her application for a dangerous wild animal license was rejected. The 45-year-old, who is also the founder of Fripps Farm in Lindsell, Essex, had hoped to adopt eight ring-tailed lemurs but unfortunately, her dreams were shattered.
Uttlesford District Council, after careful consideration, deemed it inappropriate to grant Jodie the license at this time. However, she plans to appeal the decision. The farm, which has been in operation since 2020, is home to over 250 animals including alpacas, emus, owls, and reptiles.
During a licensing and environmental health committee meeting, it was revealed that Jodie had a strong attachment to the farm animals, considering them to be her personal pets. This was further supported by the fact that she had taken a meerkat she was hand-raising to the pub twice. She also reportedly took one of the owls to the pub, claiming that the meerkat couldn't be left alone.
Councillor Richard Freeman, who chaired the meeting, expressed concern over Jodie's perception of the animals in her care, and how it could potentially affect the community. He stated, "The panel is concerned that Jodie Marsh has a perception, which she portrayed to the panel, that the animals in her existing care, and by extension the animals applied for under the licence, are her personal pets."
One of the major concerns raised was the noise level of the lemurs, known to shriek and grunt, and how it could disturb the surrounding area. After the decision was made, Jodie expressed her disappointment with the council and shared her plans to take the matter to court and appeal against the decision. She also criticized the panel for not having enough knowledge about exotic animals.
In April 2023, Jodie's farm was raided by the RSPCA due to animal welfare concerns, after a meerkat was spotted at the pub with her. The Celebrity Big Brother star claimed that there was one person in particular who had been targeting her, and it was taking a toll on her mental health. She said, "This campaign against me is taking its toll. I have been forced to pull out of a vegan festival in Oxford this summer because of threats."
Jodie further explained her bond with the meerkat, stating that they cannot be left alone and do not do well alone, which is why she took her everywhere with her. During their trip to the pub, the meerkat, named Mabel, slept on her lap and was never distressed. Jodie added, "I used to wake her up to feed her and then she would snuggle up on my lap again. It is not illegal to take a meerkat in a pub and I did my best by her."
At the meeting, a spokesperson for Uttlesford District Council stated that the decision was based on relevant information and legislation. They also mentioned that since Jodie has the right to appeal the decision, they would not comment further. If anyone has a celebrity story, video, or pictures, they can get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing them, calling them, or visiting their "Submit Stuff" page.
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