CONVICTED (2021) | farmer Albert Sauer, born c. 1935, of Tangymoil Farm, Kilkenzie, Campbeltown PA28 6QD – caused huge pain and suffering to a herd of donkeys.
The donkeys were neglected with deformed and overgrown hooves.
Albert Sauer pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering after two donkeys in his care were euthanised on humane grounds.
Scottish SPCA officers visited the farm after receiving a report of animal neglect from a concerned member of the public.
There they saw five male and six female donkeys whose hooves were so badly deformed that they struggled to even walk properly.
Some of the animals were underweight with bald patches on their coats. Sauer admitted they had not been seen by a vet for some time.
The surviving donkeys are recovering from their ordeal in the specialist care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
In total, 11 donkeys were removed from Sauer, with the nine surviving animals taken into the care of international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary.
Scottish SPCA inspector Yvonne Inglis, who led the investigation, said: “This is without a doubt the worst case of equine neglect I’ve come across.”
“All it would have taken to save these donkeys from months of pain and suffering was regular foot trimming from a farrier. There is no justification for allowing the health of these poor donkeys to deteriorate to this point.
“Thankfully, The Donkey Sanctuary stepped in to offer support and have been providing them with care and treatment in the right environment. They are all in a much better, happier place now.”
The nine surviving donkeys have slowly been nursed back to full health with each appointed dedicated grooms.
They all require special diets to build their weight back up as well as farrier and dental treatment.
Sentencing: Fined £300. 10-year ban on owning donkeys or horses.
CONVICTED (2021) | Susan Alison Shears, born 22 October 1947 of 71 Main Street, Goole DN14 0AE, and son John A Shears, born 13 April 1989, of Pasture House, Rawcliffe, Goole DN14 8SH, – for cruelty to two donkeys and a mule kept in hazardous conditions.
Cruel mother and son Sue and John Shears kept animals in dangerous conditions and failed to meet their needs or treat their ailments.
Susan Shears – a councillor with Gowdall Parish Council – denied the charges against her but was found guilty after a trial. The seven offences related to two donkeys called Dora and Daisy and a mule named Ebony.
John Shears pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences relating to the same animals at the beginning of the trial.
The pair kept Dora, Daisy and Ebony in a field full of ragwort – a plant toxic to equines. Loose barbed wire and fallen wire netting, which posed the risk of injury or entanglement, also littered the field.
An old, disused work container which the animals had access to was completely unsuitable as a shelter – it was too small and had sharp edges and canvas straps still attached inside, which the animals could have become caught on.
Susan Shears allowed the animals to use a cramped and dangerous work container (pictured) as a shelter
The animals also did not have access to any hard standing within their living environment. All donkeys need to have access to hard standing to protect their feet from wet and muddy conditions and to prevent infections.
Their water supply was wholly inadequate and dirty, with an accumulation of algae.
All three animals had overgrown teeth and hooves and required dental and farrier treatment.
RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton, who led the investigation, said: “Police forced entry to the field using bolt cutters and gave permission for myself, staff from The Donkey Sanctuary and an independent vet to enter the field and examine the animals and their environment.
“An independent vet examined each animal and found Dora was suffering from laminitis, and Ebony was suffering from ulceration to the soft tissues of her mouth from inadequate dental care that would have caused her discomfort when eating. She advised the animals should be removed from the site as they were either suffering or likely to suffer if they remained. Police took the animals into possession, passing them into the RSPCA’s care.”
Daisy (left) and Dora may need to remain in The Donkey Sanctuary care for the rest of their lives
The animals were transported to a nearby holding base funded by The Donkey Sanctuary, where they received urgent dental and farrier treatment.
Following the sentencing hearing, Inspector Hutton said, “Pet owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their animals do not suffer and that their needs are met. Despite advice from The Donkey Sanctuary, sadly the Shears failed in their duty towards their animals”.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, added: “Owning donkeys and mules is a hugely rewarding experience and a wonderful privilege. However, they require caring and compassionate management to ensure they lead healthy and enriched lives.
“We had previously attended this location alongside the RSPCA and engaged with the owners regarding Ebony and another donkey. We discussed the changes that needed to be made to ensure the environment was safe and suitable for the animals.
“On a repeat visit, we found Ebony with Daisy and Dora living at the same location that was detrimental to their welfare, it was clear our advice had not been followed. We worked with the RSPCA to safeguard their welfare.”
Sadly, Ebony was put to sleep on veterinary advice due to her ongoing suffering from her dental issues. Dora and Daisy have responded well to treatment, but due to their age and ongoing care needs, they may need to remain in The Donkey Sanctuary care for the rest of their lives.
Sentencing: Susan Shears – 20 weeks’ imprisonment; £3,000 costs. Lifetime disqualification from keeping equines, but can appeal after 10 years.
John Shears – 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months; £700 costs. Disqualified from keeping equines for 10 years with the right of appeal after five years.
Deprivation order for the ownership of the donkeys.
It was reported that Shears had lost her appeal against conviction for neglecting equines following a two-day hearing.
Recorder Taryn Turner and two magistrates dismissed the appeal in its entirety, and the convictions and sentence imposed on 3 August 2021 remain. Shears was also ordered to pay costs of £2,000, payable within 12 months.
Following the appeal hearing, Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, gave an update on rescued donkeys Dora and Daisy. She said: “Both donkeys have ongoing care and veterinary needs, and over the past four years we have continually monitored their health and response to treatment.
“Earlier this year Daisy developed a degenerative and painful eye condition. After consultation with vets, it was decided the best course of action was to remove her eye. Daisy has recovered well from this operation, and we will continue to regularly assess their quality of life to ensure decisions are made with their best interests at heart.”
RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton said: “I’m pleased this long-running case has now finally concluded. Shears failed in her duty towards these animals and they suffered as a result. Thanks to The Donkey Sanctuary’s care and expertise, they are now enjoying their lives and it’s fantastic to see them looking well.”
CONVICTED (2021) | puppy farmer/horse dealer Geoffrey John Bennett, born c. 1954, of Hurst Farm, Portsmouth Road, Ripley, Woking GU23 6EY – kept dozens of animals in squalor on his puppy farm; some found collapsed and dying in filthy conditions.
Geoffrey Bennett
Geoffrey Bennett, a dealer of low value horses and donkeys with strong links to the travelling community, was jailed for 19 weeks having pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two horses and one goat, failing to meet the needs of 171 animals, and six offences of failing to properly dispose of animal by-products.
Bennett “accepted no responsibility nor expressed anything resembling remorse” in relation to the charges, Recorder Darren Reed told the court.
A total of 204 animals were discovered and tragically two starving horses and a collapsed goat had to be put down at the scene to prevent them from any more suffering.
The 201 others were taken for appropriate care, including 129 horses and donkeys, 59 dogs, three alpacas, five goats, four chickens and one duck.
Some of the sickest animals received immediate veterinary care while others were taken for treatment nearby, and those that were considered fit to travel by on-site vets were transferred to various charities and sanctuaries.
Bennett and partner Christine Kelly went on trial, accused of 24 counts, most of which were related to animal cruelty. The case against Kelly was later discontinued although she went on to be prosecuted for other animal welfare offences*.
RSPCA rescuers worked with Bransby Horses, Redwings, The Horse Trust, The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare in “one of the biggest coordinated rescue missions the UK has ever seen”.
Rescuers discovered two starving ponies, suffering from cyathostominosis, in one pen and a goat collapsed in another. Sadly these animals couldn’t be saved.
Herds of ponies, many riddled with worms, were living out in fields with hazardous metal and broken fencing sticking up from the thick mud. Inside two barns were pens full with donkeys, goats, alpacas and ponies, many of them standing on top of 2ft to 3ft of months’ worth of waste and faeces.
Bennett failed to provide drinking water, parasitic treatment, adequate nutrition, dental care, hoof and nail trimming, veterinary treatment for infections, disease and lameness, clean and dry resting places and living space.
The charity also found dogs, some heavily pregnant, chained and tethered in a filthy yard, with others shut inside small cages or makeshift kennels.
During the raid, “bones and carcasses” were discovered wrapped in horse rugs on a muck heap including “one equine [carcass]”, prosecutor Hazel Stevens told the court.
Bone samples were collected for analysis and according to Ms Stevens, a goat leg was also found.
A video showing upsetting scenes of what the RSPCA discovered upon executing the warrant was played in court as Bennett watched on.
Twenty foals were born in charity care, two of which were stillborn, as well as six goat kids, one alpaca and nine puppies – but two died shortly after birth.
Defending, Michael Fullerton said Bennett was retired and had “no intention” of going back to farming.
He added: “In respect of the general condition of the farm, December 2018 and January 2019 were particularly wet.
“The areas with significantly muddy tracks, that was because tractor would go through to spread the hay for the horses. Muddy yes, but food was available for those in the field.”
Bennett was sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to two horses and one goat, failing to meet the needs of 171 animals and six counts of failing to properly dispose of animal by-products.
Speaking about the case, RSPCA Special Operations Unit case officer Kirsty Withnall said: “The RSPCA and World Horse Welfare officers had received complaints about the farm and had been looking into these concerns and gathering evidence.
“This was a huge multi-agency rescue mission which was the culmination of weeks of planning and evidence gathering. In total, there were 100 staff from different agencies working on the case to help round up the animals.
“It took almost 12 hours on the day to assess all of the animals, load them into horse boxes and animal ambulances, and move them off-site; making it one of the biggest coordinated rescue missions the UK has ever seen.
“We had to have a plan in place that would allow us to remove a large number of animals on the day but we hoped that wouldn’t be necessary and had no idea what action would be taken until vets were able to assess all of the animals.”
She added: “The reason I do my job is because I care passionately about animals and I’ll be overjoyed when all of these animals are in loving homes being given the care, love and attention they deserve.”
PC Hollie Iribar from Surrey Police commented: “As a Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer for Surrey Police, I have witnessed some devastating acts of animal cruelty over the years.
“This was one of the most difficult cases I’ve seen, and I am grateful to the RSPCA and our other partner agencies for the hard work put in to bring this case to trial.
“I’m very glad that this heartbreaking case has seen a resolution in the courts, and that the animals involved were rescued and given a second chance at a happy and healthy life.”
A spokesperson from World Horse Welfare described the case as “challenging”, and added: “We are relieved that we were able to help remove so many horses from these conditions so they could have a better life and receive the care they deserve.”
Sentencing: jailed for 19 weeks and disqualified from keeping all animals for life.
Christine June Kelly was found guilty of 15 offences under the Animal Welfare Act after a trial over dates in June and August 2022.
Christine Kelly
Kelly was found guilty of failing to meet the needs of 131 equines by failing to provide a suitable environment, a water supply, adequate nutrition, routine dental or farrier care, or adequate parasitic treatment or control and treatment for prevention of illness and disease.
She was also convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a number of horses, dogs and goats.
She was handed a 26-week prison sentence – suspended for 18 months – as well as being disqualified from keeping all animals for life. A deprivation order – relating to 12 dogs and seven horses – was also issued, meaning the charities can now rehome them.
All other animals had previously been signed over for care by the charities or to be rehomed.
CONVICTED (2021) | Benjamin Peter Marshall, born 23 May1977, of New Street, Southowram, Halifax – failed to care for two donkeys
Benjamin Marshall admitted the serious neglect of donkeys Jemimah and Snowball
Marshall, who had ignored advice from both the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary, pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences in relation to 13-year-old Jemimah and her four-year-old daughter Snowball.
He failed to meet the donkeys’ basic welfare needs by not providing them with access to a clean supply of fresh water or a suitable and safe environment to live in. In addition, also failed to seek veterinary treatment for their various ailments which included laminitis and thrush. He also failed to provide the donkeys with adequate dental and foot care.
Benjamin Marshall’s donkeys Jeremiah and Snowball were found living in yard covered in broken glass and metal
RSPCA Inspector Rebecca Goulding and two welfare advisers from The Donkey Sanctuary discovered the donkeys living on a waste site that contained many dangerous objects.
The area was littered with broken plastic, wood, scrap metal, dumped wooden pallets and rolls of metal fencing among other rubbish.
There was also a broken trailer that had multiple sharp edges on it and the area was strewn with broken metal and glass. She found that there was no area of the field that was safe or suitable for the donkeys.
The grass cover was sparse and the forage foraging provided for the two donkeys was wet and covered in mud and faeces.
Marshall advised the donkeys had access to water in a dustbin, but the water level was too low down for the donkeys to reach. Their shelter was dirty and deep in mud and faeces and meant the donkeys had no hardstanding.
Inspector Goulding said: “Donkeys require shelter at all times as, unlike horses, their coats are not well adapted to our climate and so they require shelter from the weather, but especially the rain, wind and cold.”
Vet Dr Suzanne Green from Greenway Equine Veterinary Services, was called to assess the donkeys’ conditions and found that Jemimah was extremely lame with laminitis. She had an overgrown foot and was in a lot of pain.
Marshall told the vet the donkey “had been like that for 10 years” and was “fine”.
Snowball’s feet were overgrown and starting to curl upwards. She had thrush and severe white line disease in all four of her feet.
Both donkeys were also found to have extremely sharp teeth and there was no evidence of previous dental work having been done.
The vet recommended the donkeys were removed from the site and West Yorkshire Police took them into possession, passing them into the RSPCA’s care. The donkeys were transported to a Donkey Sanctuary-funded holding base so they could receive specialist care and start their rehabilitation.
In mitigation, the court heard that Marshall should be given credit for his guilty plea and he had now agreed to sign Snowball over to the RSPCA. Jeminah had been signed over at an earlier date.
Magistrates stated this was a serious case and that Jemimah had suffered significantly. The two donkeys had not been provided with water, adequate vet treatment or farrier care and, in short, the donkeys’ needs were not met.
Sentencing: 18-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work; £440 costs and charges. Five-year disqualification from keeping donkeys (expires February 2026).
CONVICTED (2021) | Ivan Ballantyne, born 29 February 1944, and Jeannie Winskill, born 31 January 1976, both of 1 Beck Cottages, Southwaite, Carlisle CA4 0LT – neglected donkeys and horses.
Ivan Ballantyne
The pair had seven donkeys and 17 horses seized from them by the RSPCA after they were found to have neglected the animals, causing some to go lame.
Jeannie Winskill
They had previously denied all offences and were set to stand trial in 2021 but changed their pleas to guilty.
Ballantyne admitted causing unnecessary suffering to seven donkeys at Southwaite between 4th January and 4th February, 2020, by failing to address the animals overgrown feet, resulting in lameness.
This Shetland pony, found in a garden shed, was in pain with every step’ and had to be put down
He also admitted failing to provide adequate care for 17 equines between the same dates by failing to provide fresh, clean drinking water; dental care; hoof care; parasitic control; failure to address rain scald; and left the animals with only a “dirty small shelter”.
Winskill pleaded guilty to the same two charges along with a third, between the same dates, of causing unnecessary suffering to a Shetland pony by failing to provide hoof care, resulting in it going lame.
The RSPCA launched an investigation after The Donkey Sanctuary found that the basic welfare and needs of the animals were not being met and that some of the donkeys needed urgent veterinary and farriery treatment.
Deputy Chief Inspector Carl Larsson said: “Donkeys with overgrown hooves were seen struggling to walk through the deep mud – they seemed uncomfortable as they moved. There was a lack of shelter, hard standing and anywhere clean and dry for the animals to rest.
“The sheds provided were too small and unsanitary – a dead rat was seen within the soiled straw at the back of one.
“Straw put down for the animals was sodden with faeces, urine and presumably rain water – they appeared not to have been mucked out in a long time.
“There was also a muck heap which had hay on the top that two horses and the donkeys were feeding from.
“A Shetland pony was found confined in a garden shed – he barely had room to turn around.
“It was difficult to watch as the poor animal reluctantly struggled to walk and appeared to be in pain with every step.
“An independent vet certified such was his suffering he sadly needed to be put to sleep immediately in his own interest.”
Three welfare advisers from The Donkey Sanctuary were present on the day of the rescue, along with Suzanne Green, a veterinary surgeon from Greenway Equine Veterinary Services and police officers from Cumbria Police.
Two of the rescued donkeys
The donkeys were transported to a Donkey Sanctuary funded holding base where they were given much-needed farrier, dental and veterinary care.
They have since all improved considerably, but some of their journeys to full recovery will be long.
While the rescued donkeys are recovering from their ordeal, some will need lifelong care by The Donkey Sanctuary
Ownership of the donkeys will now be given to The Donkey Sanctuary. Some will need life-long care due to the extent of their neglect, while others may be considered for the charity’s Rehoming Scheme in the future.
Sentencing: community orders; 16-week curfew/tagging order; Winskill will also carry out 15 days of a rehabilitation activity.; £840 costs and charges each. Both were disqualified from keeping equines for 10 years and their animals were seized.
CONVICTED (2020) | serial zoophile Shane Taylor-Waters, aka Shane Waters or Shane Taylor, born 4 May 1980, Elizabeth Street, Accrington BB5 0HH – raped numerous chickens, of which at least 15 died; had sexual intercourse with a Great Dane; previous convictions for raping a horse and donkey.
Waters, whose previous convictions for similar offences go back as far as 1997, admitted to police that he could not control his ‘urges’ when it came to sexual intercourse with animals. His victims included his own dog – a Great Dane – despite the fact she would bite him while he was raping her.
Prosecutor Barbara Webster said that the defendant had pleaded guilty to having sexual intercourse with a chicken, a dog and burglary.
He was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his crimes.
Taylor-Waters’ actions came to the attention of the police on September 18, 2020, after the owner of Lower Holker Farm in Accrington found four dead and several unwell-looking chickens in a shed on his premises.
He later checked his CCTV and could see a man entering one of his chicken sheds, which had been bolted closed, and remaining inside the building for around 20 minutes.
Ms Webster said: “After he had reviewed the CCTV he went back in and found 11 dead chickens. He formed the view that something sexual had happened to them.”
The police were contacted and subsequently the RSPCA were sent to the premises to carry out an investigation. Eight chickens were taken away for examination and two were found to have traces of Taylor-Waters inside them.
He was later identified and visited by police, where he made full and frank admissions from the outset, stating ‘I need help, I know what you’re on about. I just get these urges.’”
After his arrests for the offences against the chickens, an examination was carried out upon Taylor-Waters’ dog, where traces of semen were found.
Ms Webster said: “In his interview, the defendant admitted going onto the farm intending having sex with the chickens.
“He admitted he had been on the farm on nine previous occasions and told officers he would say sorry to the chickens when he was finished.
“He also admitted to having sexual intercourse with his Great Dane at his address. He said he knew she didn’t like it and would growl and bite him.”
Sentencing, Judge Sara Dodd imposed a criminal behaviour order upon Waters, banning him from owning or keeping animals.
Taylor-Waters’ Great Dane, Maddie, was repeatedly raped by him
Judge Dodd said: “This is a case which is as unusual as it is disturbing. On two occasions on the 18th and 19th of September you broke into chicken sheds at the farm.
“You penetrated the anus of a number of chickens and ejaculated. As I understand it at least 15 died as a result of your sordid sexual activity.
“Those who kept the chickens are understandably horrified and appalled by what you have done.
“When the police attended to arrest you, your dog was examined. Your semen was found in the vagina. You would go on to accept intercourse with your dog took place on 5-6 occasions over previous months.
“I have no doubt that anybody hearing the details of this case will be disturbed. Your conduct is distressing and deeply worrying.
“It is said on your behalf that you want to seek help for your urges, as you described them to the police. You were given that opportunity previously but that has not stopped your offending.”
A restraining order stopping Taylor-Waters from approaching Lower Holker Farm was also imposed, and he must sign the sexual offenders register.
RSPCA inspector Demi Hodby said: “A farmer in the Accrington area called the RSPCA to investigate his concerns about a number of chicken deaths at his premises in September.
“Tests carried out on the bodies revealed a number of chickens had been sexually abused which had led to their deaths.
“The RSPCA worked with Lancashire police to identify the offender who was captured on CCTV entering the premises. A man from Accrington was arrested at his home address on October 21.
“The RSPCA removed a dog from the address and she is now in the care of the animal charity where she will remain until she is ready to be rehomed.”
Sentencing: 30 months in jail. Indefinite ban on owning animals.
CONVICTED (2019) | Gary Stevens, born 13/07/1966, of Hallmoss Farm, near Peterhead AB42 3BP – for cruelty to livestock, a Shetland pony and a donkey
Gary Stevens was jailed over the ‘extreme neglect’ of a pony and a donkey. A total of 45 animals, including horses, pigs, sheep, lambs, cats, dogs and terrapins, were removed from his Peterhead farm by the Scottish SPCA.
Stevens pleaded guilty to three of eight criminal charges raised against him under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
He had all his livestock seized by Aberdeenshire Council’s Animal Health and Welfare Service in August 2018, following a series of visits by inspectors, prompted by public concerns.
A vet deemed it necessary for the animals to be removed due to concerns over their poor condition, lack of veterinary treatment and the dreadful conditions in which they were kept.
A pig was euthanised to end its suffering and the remaining livestock were taken to a place where they could be restored to health. Aberdeenshire Council subsequently sought a disposal order at Peterhead Sheriff Court which was granted in February 2019 allowing the animals to be sold.
Senior council animal health and welfare inspector Pauline Anderson said: “We welcome the strong sentence that has been imposed in what was a very distressing case.
“As well as the wholesale suffering of the animals, the poor conditions at the farm meant there was a risk of disease spreading outwith the premises. The animals were kept in shocking conditions and we would like to thank Police Scotland and the Animal and Plant Health Agency for their support to allow us to remove them from the site.”
Mr Stevens was also found guilty of ‘extreme’ neglect of a Shetland pony and donkey.
The Scottish SPCA had visited Hallmoss Farm in June 2018 after concerns were raised to the charity’s animal helpline. The vet in attendance then said the state of the Shetland pony was ‘the most extreme case’ he’d come across in 34 years of practising. Her front feet were so badly deformed that they were deemed in-correctable, while her poor body condition was attributed to pain and stress, and she was subsequently put to sleep.
Inspector Fiona McKenzie said: “In my 12 years as a Scottish SPCA inspector, this is one of the worst cases I’ve ever dealt with and I’ve never seen such a disregard for animal welfare.
“We made every attempt to work constructively with Stevens and his family, including issuing statutory care notices to improve the welfare of their animals.
“They rebuffed this offer of support and were uncooperative. Ultimately, they attempted to hide the animals under the guise of them having been rehomed.
“This left us with no choice but to make a report to the procurator fiscal. From this investigation we took ownership of over 45 animals including horses, pigs, sheep, lambs, cats, dogs and terrapins.”
She added: “We worked closely with Aberdeenshire Council’s Animal Health and Welfare team who took their own case to the procurator fiscal. We are very pleased the sheriff exercised the maximum punishment available to Stevens. We hope this will act as a deterrent to others and be just one of many examples of more consistent sentencing for those who are cruel to animals.”
Sentencing: 18 months in prison, reduced to 14 because of the guilty plea. Lifetime ban on keeping all animals.
CONVICTED (2018) | Michael Stephen Walsh, born 15/04/1964, of Bryntirion, Rhuallt, St Asaph, Denbighshire LL17 0TG – caused suffering to two donkeys by allowing their hooves to become severely overgrown.
Multimillionaire former soldier Michael Stephen Walsh admitted an offence under the Animal Welfare Act offence in relation to two donkeys.
Another individual [most likely his wife, Judith Walsh, born August 1970] accepted a caution for their involvement in the poor care of the donkeys.
The RSPCA was notified of the case after members of the public saw the male donkeys with the severely overgrown hooves, causing them difficulty in walking. Veterinary examination discovered the hooves were in such poor condition that the donkeys endured suffering.
Donkeys thrive in semi-arid parts of the world, where the ground is dry and stony. Their hooves are much more efficient than horses at absorbing water, but this means the wet pasture of the UK can make their feet soft and cause foot diseases.
Most donkeys’ hooves require a trim every six to 10 weeks.
RSPCA inspector Jenny Anderton said: “The failure to provide adequate care for these donkeys’ overgrown hooves caused them to suffer.
“It is really sad how such basic action could have prevented this. A simple phone call to a farrier could have stopped these poor donkeys suffering.
“Fortunately, both donkeys will come into the care of the RSPCA and have a second chance of happiness. But this case reminds us how important proper appropriate care of hooves is for donkeys, and other equines.”
Sentencing | Walsh was fined £650 and ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £50 victim surcharge. He agreed to sign the animals into the care of the RSPCA.
Additional Information
MiKE Walsh, with his brother Sean, set up lucrative business Anglia insurance repairs, which they sold for £37 million in 2007.
The brothers later bankrolled their local football club Prestatyn Town but severed ties in 2012.
The business man, who is also a former soldier, now runs Walsh Investment Properties as well as carrying out charity work for ex-servicemen.
He has ploughed much of his fortune into renovating his massive farm house home in Rhuallt.
CONVICTED (2018) | John Michael Humphrey, born 15/11/1985, of Sandway Drive, Thorpe Willoughby, Selby YO8 9NF – kept more than 30 severely malnourished horses and donkeys in a dirty and hazardous environment.
Humphrey pleaded guilty to 25 offences under the Animal Welfare Act. The offences related to 33 animals which were being kept at fields in Gowdall, Gateforth and near the A63 Selby bypass.
Two of the horses had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds and one died while giving birth.
RSPCA inspector Alice Cooper, who investigated with colleague Claire Mitchell, said: “This was a complicated case involving a large number of equines being kept at three different locations.
“Many of them were suffering and needed urgent attention, and some of them had to be immediately hospitalised.
“Those who weren’t suffering were likely to if their circumstances didn’t change, due to the dirty or hazardous environments they were living in.”
The animals had no access to clean, fresh drinking water and no suitable food source. Many were in an extremely poor physical condition
Inspector Cooper said: “Many were very nervous and seemingly hadn’t had much handling.”
In mitigation, the court heard that the horses kept at Gowdall Ponds had only been there for a short time because of localised flooding and that the animals at Gateforth had come to him from a dying farmer and had arrived in poor condition.
Of the horses at the third site, Humphrey said that there was a stream and the water troughs were filled daily, with supplementary feed provided. He said he had had horses all his life and never had any problems.
He signed all the horses over to the RSPCA, for rehoming when they are ready, and the donkeys were signed over to The Donkey Sanctuary.
Inspector Cooper said: “We are, as always, extremely grateful to all those who helped with this difficult case, including World Horse Welfare and The Donkey Sanctuary, who sent officers to the scene and took on some of the animals, who are doing great and are going up for rehoming soon.”
Sentencing:Humphrey was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison and ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for life.
John Michael Humphrey was back in court for handling goods stolen from residents in rural north Lancashire.
Humphrey, now of Lunnsfield Lane, Selby, was pursued by a police dog handler who spotted three trailers stolen from the Claughton area on Humphrey’s truck in Morecambe.
He admitted three counts of handling stolen goods on the basis he offered his vehicle out for loan, later realised the trailers were probably stolen and panicked on seeing police.
He was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, He was given a curfew and must pay £535 costs.
CONVICTED (2018) | Suzzana Taylor (aka Sue Edge), born 10 August 1970, daughter Grace Taylor, born c. 2000, both of Fir Trees Farm, Harbour Lane, Salwick, Preston PR4 0ZJ and ex boyfriend Andrew Lomas, born 22 May 1975, of Central Drive, Blackpool – for the abuse of beach donkeys and neglect of Pomeranian dogs
Sue Taylor and daughter Grace Taylor and some of their abused animals. Sadly no photo of callous Andrew Lomas, who has a violent past, is available
The RSPCA have released footage showing appalling cruelty being inflicted on a herd of beach donkeys housed at Fir Trees Farm in Salwick, near Preston.
Covertly-filmed videos showed how donkeys were punched in the face, with one, Bruce, targeted for a running kung-fu style dropkick.
Abusers Suzzana Taylor, daughter Grace Taylor and Suzzana’s ex-partner Andrew Lomas, have now been convicted of cruelty after a two-week trial.
The trio were living together at Fir Trees Farm when it was raided by police, RSPCA inspectors, vets, and council enforcement officers in September 2017.
Carmel Wilde, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said the cruelty was brought to the attention of authorities by the neighbours who secretly filmed the Taylors and Lomas in action. They released the footage to the RSPCA after moving from the area.
Donkeys Bethany, who was very underweight, and Floppy, who had an untreated sarcoid growth, were put down.
Both Taylors had licences, issued by Blackpool Council, to have donkeys on the beach and give rides to children and, earlier in the year, the animals passed an annual inspection by a council-employed vet.
Sue Taylor with one of her donkeys.
Ms Wilde said: “The videos show on different dates the donkeys suffering violent abuse; being kicked punched,whipped and hit with sticks.”
“One was given a flying kick.
“On the day of the raid on the farm, the animals were found in a concrete yard where the floor was covered in their urine and droppings.
“Their bedding was wet and soiled.
“The vets’ evidence reveals that they believed the donkeys had suffered abuse over a long period and were living in fear of pain.”
Suzzana Taylor with Andrew Lomas
The court heard how 16 Pomeranian dogs were also in a wet and dirty area. They had no fresh drinking water. One had a painful and untreated bite, and the others had matted hair and running eyes.
RSPCA Inspector Amy McIntosh, who led the investigation, said: “The footage of the donkeys being assaulted is shocking and appalling particularly the flying kick on the donkey Bruce.
“Their terrible treatment is compounded by the fact the people inflicting it were making money from them.
“These donkeys are such lovely, docile and friendly animals whose wonderful nature was evident in the fact that they were being worked with children on the beach every day.
“They were being presented to the public as being well looked after but behind the scenes were being cruelly treated and abused and the conditions they were living in were filthy.
“Then there were the dogs, fluffy little Pomeranians, who were living in wet and muddy conditions without adequate shelter, and had untreated bite wounds from where they’d been fighting with each other.
“Sadly two of the donkeys had to be put to sleep on the advice on a specialist equine veterinary surgeon, but all of the remaining animals are now enjoying great lives, and those not previously signed over will now be able to be permanently adopted”.
Hannah Bryer, head of welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, added: “Cases like these are extremely distressing and highlight the terrible abuse some donkeys continue to face in Great Britain today.
“There is simply no excuse for any animal to be subjected to physical abuse. Owning donkeys is a hugely rewarding experience and a wonderful privilege, however, they require caring and compassionate management to ensure they lead healthy and enriched lives.
“The footage, in this case, shows a series of brutal and needless attacks on the donkeys. This cruel and callous behaviour is unacceptable in any arena but is made worse by the fact that the perpetrators were the very humans who should have been safeguarding their welfare during their working life.
“Donkeys are incredibly stoic animals so by their nature, they often hide the true extent of their suffering, however, there can be no doubt that the violence inflicted on these donkeys caused them fear and distress.
“Happily with the support of vets, farriers and grooms, the condition of these donkeys has improved, but they will need ongoing care and treatment”.
A former neighbour of the Taylors said: “My wife and I would view footage from our security cameras on a daily basis and, afterwards, we vowed we would reveal the evidence after we found somewhere else to live.”
Andrew Lomas
Lomas, who did not give evidence at court, had been refused a donkey licence, while the Taylors’ licences have been suspended.
The Taylors have now given up the lease on the farm and now live in a horsebox parked on the yard. They continue to deny the offences, probation officer Brian Weatherington said.
Sentencing: Grace Taylor was given a community order with 30 days’ rehabilitation and must do 150 hours of unpaid work. She must also pay £500 costs. She was banned from keeping any animal for three years.
Suzzana Taylor was given a 14-week jail term, suspended for a year. She must pay £500 costs. She also got a three-year order banning her from owning animals.
Lomas, who has previous convictions for violence, was given 14 weeks’ jail, suspended for a year. He must do 150 hours of unpaid work and must pay £500 costs. He was disqualified from keeping animals for three years.
