Jodie Marsh vows never to give up keeping lemurs at her Essex farm

Jodie Marsh wants to keep some rescue lemurs. Her farm is in Essex. The local council said no to her application because she needs a special licence for dangerous animals to legally keep the lemurs. The council had concerns about her that arose from complaints and comments made by other local people. Jodie is appealing this decision in court.

Jodie says the lemurs really need a home as their current owner cannot properly care for them. She told a reporter that she finds the situation ridiculous and wonders why the council blocks animal rescues, thinking it’s inhumane.

The lemurs are not getting proper care right now because their owner can’t fully care for them. He is away for work often, and his wife is left with the lemurs, but she does not want to care for them. The lemurs desperately need a new home.

Jodie’s neighbors back other lemur rescues, plus she has spent thousands of her own money. She says the money should help the animals, and she even did extra work to fund it all. Her priority is the animals’ well-being, although the money is not the main concern. Jodie thinks it is crazy that the council is spending public money.

This whole thing consumes her and the council’s time. The court case stress is immense, as anyone who’s been involved understands. Jodie promises to fight this all the way, even if she loses, because she thinks the council just wants to fight her. She thinks taxpayers would be horrified where their money goes, especially after voting and rubbish issues.

Uttlesford Council shared a statement explaining they must follow the law, handling licence applications and appeals, which requires spending money. They have no choice when these cases arise.

The council says costs go beyond legal fees. Staff handle complex casework often, and they don’t always track time hourly, so they can’t give an exact cost. This is normal practice for local government.