NH Woman Held In Jail After ‘Depraved’ Ferret Cruelty Case

MANCHESTER, NH — A woman who was arrested this morning on an animal cruelty charge after allegedly putting her roommate’s pet ferret in an oven which caused the animal to die as well as a smoke condition in a Queen City apartment building is being held in jail on cash bail. Ivana Clifford, 26, of Manchester, was arrested on the charge on Nov. 8, 2017, after police and fire and rescue teams were called to 80 Lowell St. for a report of smoke in a building. When firefighters arrived at the scene, the building was evacuated and they later determined that the condition was caused by a ferret burning in an oven.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

“The ferret was stuck in the bottom coil of the oven,” according to a police affidavit, "and removed by firefighters and placed in a nearby trashcan. The ferret had distinct linear burn marks on the side of its body that were consistent with the shape of the oven coil."

Police questioned Clifford about the incident and she allegedly admitted to burning the ferret as a form of revenge because her roommate was “stealing her clothes.” She also allegedly told officers that she didn’t believe her roommate should have the ferret as a pet because Clifford was pregnant.

After investigating the incident, police charged Clifford with animal cruelty-felony.

In Hillsborough County Superior Court-North earlier today, Clifford was arraigned and held on $10,000 cash bail after a judge determined there was probable cause in the case and she might to be a danger to the community.

During discussion about bail, a prosecutor called the alleged incident “depraved” and “extremely disturbing,” but noted that Clifford had no prior record or conditions and didn’t believe she was a flight risk. She defended an agreement between the legal teams that Clifford should be checked into a hospital for a mental evaluation. The judge, however, disagreed, stating that Clifford would be held on cash bail and could receive an evaluation in jail, if needed.

“These allegations demonstrate a profound level of sadism that is of deep concern to this court,” she stated before adjourning.

Images via Jeffrey Hastings/www.frameofmindphoto.com, used with permission, and Manchester Police.