Tag Archives: Carmarthenshire

Dogs, Equine Abuse, horse traders, horses and ponies, Multiple Species, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Cwmann, Carmarthenshire: Evan Bevan

May 16, 2024 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | backyard breeder and serial animal abuser Evan David Bevan, born October 1979, of Pyllau Crynion, Cwmann, Lampeter SA48 8EX – kicked a pony, hit one dog repeatedly with a stick and failed to treat a second dog’s ear injury.

RSPCA prosecution of Evan Bevan from Cwmann, near Lampeter, Wales, who was caught on camera beating a horse and a dog on separate occasions.

In videos provided anonymously to the RSPCA Bevan, director of Electech Electrics Limited trading as Electech Installations, was shown inflicting physical abuse on a pony known as Tony by kicking him, and beating a mastiff called Lily with a stick. He also failed to provide veterinary care for an ear injury suffered during a fight by German Shepherd Rosie.

Bevan, who was once a landlord for notorious breeders Andrew Bateman and Kelly Busby during the period they were churning out sick and dying puppies and selling them to unsuspecting buyers, pleaded not guilty to the cruelty charges but was convicted after a trial.

All of the offences took place at Bevan’s home address in Cwmann.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector (DCI) Gemma Cooper told the court she had attended the location seen in the videos with police officers and an animal health officer from Carmarthenshire Council. She recognised Evan Bevan as the male in the footage.

DCI Cooper said: “We asked if we could look at his dogs and he let out of a barn approximately 10 to 15 dogs who almost straight away started to fight amongst each other, one being bitten on her face and causing her to bleed,” she said.

“Evan Bevan stated it was all too much for him and he wasn’t going to breed anymore.

“I asked if he would like help with rehoming the dogs and he said that he only had two he wanted to rehome; a female bull mastiff called Lily and a female chocolate Labrador called Maggie.”

Bevan was asked where a German Shepherd dog called Rosie was and he said he had rehomed her with a rescue centre a couple of days earlier.

DCI Cooper later spoke with the rescue centre who confirmed that he had brought Rosie to them. She was suffering with an old injury to her right ear.

An independent expert veterinary report into the welfare of a group of dogs and a horse was provided to the court in which both videos were examined.

According to the vet, Bevan “kicks the pony with force to the left shoulder” in the first video clip.

The vet added: “The kick was forceful and clearly made contact with the pony that reacted adversely to the kick, indicating that the kick caused pain and hence suffering.” .

In relation to Rosie, who lost a significant portion of her right ear, it was said that “the injury will have caused the dog pain and suffering”.

She sustained the injury during the incident caught on the second video where Bevan was seen in a yard with a large group of dogs all off the lead and running freely around. He is seen swinging a stick in an attempt to hit the Jack Russell and ends up hitting another dog. A fight also erupts between the dogs.

The vet report states: “When Mr Bevan identifies what is going on he walks back across the yard and repeatedly hits the bull mastiff with his stick in an attempt to get the dog to loosen its hold of the German Shepherd dog.

“Mr Bevan persistently hits the dog before eventually getting hold of the mastiff and attempting to pull it free of the German Shepherd dog although he continues hitting at the dog with the stick.”

Bevan confirmed that Rosie’s ear injury occurred during the incident. He admitted that he did not seek veterinary attention but instead sprayed the ear with Engemycin spray.

Lily and Maggie, who were placed into RSPCA care, are now in loving new homes.

Rosie, who was in the care of another rescue, has also been rehomed.

Magistrates said they “did not find it necessary to make an order” to disqualify Bevan from keeping pets “after a long and careful consideration” because “the offences date back to 2022” and the number of animals in Bevan’s care “has significantly reduced” because he “is no longer breeding dogs or ponies.”

Magistrates ruled that “the risk to the future welfare of animals in the defendant’s care had significantly reduced.”

Sentencing | 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months; 25-day rehabilitation requirement order; 200 hours of unpaid work; £1,000 in costs and a victim surcharge. No ban on keeping animals was imposed.

WalesOnline
Western Telegraph

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, Wales: Kristina Barton

January 7, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Kristina Barton, born 18 August 1995, of Heol Dinefwr. Foelgastell, Cross Hands, Llanelli SA14 7EH – for dog breeding without a licence.

Illegal dog breeder Kristina Barton from Cross Hands, Llanelli, Wales. Photo: Facebook

Unlicensed puppy breeder Barton, who also runs a pony event business called Carmarthenshire Party Ponies & Therapy Pets, was told to pay £26,700 after admitting three charges under the Animal Welfare Act at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings were launched, where the prosecution alleged that Barton profited to the sum of around £31,000 from the illegal puppy sales.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Barton had bred as many as nine litters of puppies during that period. The case was brought to light after multiple complaints from concerned neighbours to Carmarthenshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police.

The investigation began in April 2020 when Barton initially inquired about a dog breeding licence. Despite being provided with an information pack, subsequent complaints from neighbouring properties surfaced, leading to allegations of illegal dog breeding, unauthorised construction of kennels and stables, noise disturbances from barking dogs, and dogs straying and fouling outside the property.

In May 2021, an advert on the Pets4Homes website revealed that Barton was advertising a litter of puppies, prompting a warning letter from Carmarthenshire County Council. However, the situation escalated when Dyfed Powys Police received additional complaints in April 2022.

A Data Protection Act request, by the Local Authority to Pets4Homes, uncovered that Barton bred as many as nine litters of puppies and offered four individual dogs for sale between May 17, 2021, and July 30, 2023 – all without the required dog breeding license.

Despite previous advisories, Barton continued her breeding operations, leading to legal action by the County Council.

Sentencing | 12-month conditional discharge; ordered to pay £26,721.12 as well as £500 in costs and a £22 surcharge.

South Wales Guardian
Daily Mail

Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Multiple Species, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Abernant, Carmarthenshire: Beverly Gilson and John Howard

December 23, 2023 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2023) | hoarders/breeders Beverly Gilson, born 28 May 1959, and John Howard, born 15 November 1951, previously of Eastville, Bristol and now of Trallwyn, Abernant, Carmarthen SA33 5RL – kept 48 severely neglected dogs in a “house of horrors”.

West Wales hoarders/breeders Beverly Gilson and John Howard,kept 48 severely neglected dogs and a cat in a "house of horrors". — Pet hoarders/breeders Beverly Gilson and John Howard received a five-year ban on keeping animals after 48 neglected dogs and a cat were found in filthy conditions at their home

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben described the scene of shocking neglect that confronted him during his first visit to the remote property shared by Beverly Gilson and John Howard. He said: “I could hear a large amount of dogs inside and when entering the kitchen area found there to be many dogs kept in cages, some stacked on top of each other, other dogs were running loose in the house.

“The conditions in the kitchen area were in a poor state with many of the dogs having matted coats and no bedding in their cages, some dogs had water provided by rabbit bottles attached to the cages.

“The smell of dog faeces and urine was overpowering, the room was dark with very little natural light coming in and the dogs were barking constantly.

“I noticed one dog in particular being kept in a small rodent cage and this dog was continually spinning in the cage, there was little room for anything else in this cage.

“Many of the dogs in these cages had faeces present that had not been cleaned out and there was faeces trodden into the floor of the kitchen area.”

“In the living room several more dogs were found in cages in similar conditions as found in the kitchen. Here there was no carpet and a “strong smell of dog faeces and urine.”

In three of the upstairs rooms he found dogs to be present – two of these rooms were three bearded collie type dogs. In the third bedroom there were five dogs in cages in similar conditions to downstairs.
Inspector Hogben added that there were several dogs loose in this bedroom with “obvious matted coats”.

“The smell of urine and faeces in this third bedroom was one of the worst I have smelt in my near-24 years with the RSPCA,” he said.

“There was no window open and when I opened the door to this bedroom I was taken aback by the smell, it made me cough and retch.”

He explained to Gilson and Howard that the conditions were unacceptable and many of the dogs were in a suffering state and a vet needed to examine the dogs.

Two days later Inspector Hogben returned with a vet and RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Cooper.

Inspector Hogben said: “Many of the dogs from upstairs on my last visit were now downstairs and there were still a large amount of dogs in cages. The smell of urine, faeces was again overpowering even though Beverly Gilson had opened windows.”

The vet informed him that the animals needed to be removed. Throughout that day each dog was brought out of the property and examined by the vet.

“Many of these dogs were in a poor condition with heavily matted coats, overgrown nails and some had eye issues, there was also an unpleasant smell coming from the dogs,” said inspector Hogben.

In total 39 dogs were signed over to the RSPCA for rehoming – with Hope Rescue and The Dogs Trust attending to assist with 21 of the dogs.
Gilson and Howard decided they wanted to keep nine dogs and the cat – but would voluntarily allow the RSPCA to remove them from the property as they did not want police attendance.

Sadly the cat – who was very poorly – was put to sleep on welfare grounds and two dogs were also put to sleep on veterinary advice – with permission sought from the owner.

In a written statement from DCI Cooper she said when she entered the property “the foul smell hit me and as I got even further into the property, my eyes started to water.

She added: “I have been an RSPCA Inspector for 12 years and I can’t remember the last time a property made my eyes water like this.

“The house was extremely chaotic with dogs barking and running everywhere. Near to the front door was a heavily matted, white, toy poodle type dog standing on a table that Beverly Gilson was in the middle of grooming. I could see fleas crawling all over her and she was trembling. Her skin looked pink and she appeared extremely uncomfortable.

“There were approximately 18 dogs in the first room, some free roaming and some in cages. There were puppy pads placed on the floor and inside the crates; urine was seen on many of the pads as well as on the floor of the house.

“Dog faeces, some that had been trod in by other dogs, was also seen on the floor throughout the property.

“The dogs in the crates had no access to a comfortable resting area or a separate toileting area and shockingly, they had access to water through a rabbit drinking bottle.

“In the kitchen area there were approximately 30 dogs, again some free roaming and many in crates. Many of the dogs were very nervous and others jumped up at the crate, craving attention. I noted one dog was spinning in her crate.”

DCI Cooper added that many of the dogs “were so badly matted” she had trouble identifying their breed.

“One dog was clearly in pain, screaming as the veterinary surgeon examined him and the screaming went right through me. It was awful to listen to,” she said.

The dogs ranged from poodles, Japanese chins, rough collies, Pekingese, chihuahuas, shih tzus and a lot of crosses between these breeds, with one RSPCA rescuer having trouble identifying the breeds due to their matted coats.

The dogs that were signed over into RSPCA care and other charities have now been happily rehomed.

Sentencing | 15-week custodial suspended for nine months; 15 days of rehabilitation; 50 hours of unpaid work; £400 each; FIVE-year ban on keeping all animals (expires December 2028).

BBC News
Western Telegraph
Wales Online

dog attack, Dogs

Llanelli, Carmarthenshire: Kevin Griffiths

November 18, 2023 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Kevin Griffiths, born 15 November 1979, of of Frondeg Terrace, Llanelli SA14 1PZ – allowed an XL bully he kept cooped up in the bathroom to attack his partner.

CPS prosecution of Kevin Griffith from Llanelli, Wales, who allowed an XL bully kept cooped up in a tiny bathroom to attack his partner.

Griffiths ignored advice from police to have the XL bully called Reggie put down after the dog previously bit his partner. Instead he kept him shut in the bathroom of his flat until the dog attacked the woman again to her severe injury.

Caitlyn Brazel, prosecuting, said in May 2023 Griffiths was about to take Reggie for a walk. His partner, who was afraid of the dog after the previous attack, went to the bedroom.

The court was told Griffiths got the dog and then asked to be let into the bedroom – banging on the door repeatedly. This “wound up” the dog who was said to be going “berserk”.

Griffiths opened the door and Reggie attacked the woman immediately, biting her face and arms. He managed to get the dog back into the bathroom and police were called. On arrival, officers found the woman crying in the car park outside the property.

The court heard the casualty was taken to hospital by her father and subsequently had to undergo plastic surgery to repair the damage to her face.

In court, Griffiths pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control which caused injury.

Sending Griffiths to prison for 20 months, the judge told him that dog owners have a duty to ensure their animals are under proper control and are safe.

He said the defendant had “been in charge of what was, effectively, a dangerous weapon” when he allowed it to attack the woman.

The judge ordered that Reggie be destroyed.

ITV News
Wales Online

Animal Abandonment, Reptiles / Exotics, Worst of the Worst

Llandysul, Ceredigion: Kayley Pugh

May 22, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023)| Kayley Elizabeth Patricia Pugh, aka Kayley Shellam, born 25 July 1999, currently of Llandysul, Ceredigion, but with links to the towns of Carmarthen and Haverfordwest – for the cruel abandonment of eight reptiles entrusted to her care.

Animal abuser Kayley Pugh aka Kayley Shellam from Carmarthenshire, Wales. Picture: Facebook

Pugh, a mother-of-three, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to leopard geckos Thor, Luna and Thora and a Chinese crested water dragon called Maverick.

The court heard that the owner of the reptiles had asked Pugh to look after them for a period of time, but when they went to collect them on 27 August 2022, four reptiles were dead – four others were still alive.
In a written statement presented to the court, inspector Keith Hogben, said he was shown several vivariums which had been collected from an address in Alltwalis, Carmarthen.

Two of the reptiles left to die by callous Kayley Pugh

“I looked into the vivariums and was informed when they were found there was no water for the reptiles and no heat,” he said.

One vivarium contained two dead leopard geckos, Thor and Luna, and another vivarium contained a Chinese water dragon named Maverick who was also dead.

Another vivarium contained a crested gecko named Oryx who was found dead. Two emerald swifts named Bow and Arrow, a leopard gecko named Thor and a bearded dragon called Hoggle were all found alive.

A written statement from a veterinary surgeon, who examined the dead and living reptiles, said the four dead reptiles had “advanced states of decomposition” which “indicates that no daily care had been provided to these animals”.

Fly eggs were noted in the oral cavity and on the skin of two carcasses.
Thor, Luna and Maverick were all described to be of an “emaciated condition”, while crested gecko Oryx was presented as a “mummified carcass” which meant it was not possible for an internal examination.
In the vet report it was concluded that “the three animals as evidenced by their emaciated body conditions, low weights relative to body length and absence of food in their digestive systems are highly likely to have died from starvation, either because food provision was inadequate or absent or because the animals were in poor health and had become inappetent.”

In relation to leopard gecko Thora, the vet said that due to her “poor condition and ocular infection and superficial skin injuries [she ] had in my opinion been subjected to unnecessary suffering for a number of weeks”.

Sadly soon after coming into RSPCA care Thora died.

Following sentencing, Inspector Hogben said: “This is a very sad case where these deaths were completely avoidable if they had been given the proper care.

“RSPCA urges potential owners – or those given responsibility for these animals – to research and look into what is required in the care of their exotic pet first before taking one on so they know what is involved.”

Sentencing | 12 week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, 150 hours unpaid work, 12 rehab days with probation, £400 costs £154 victim surcharge. Disqualified from keeping all mammals and reptiles for 10 years.

Tivyside Advertiser
Nation Cymru

Animal Abandonment, farms / smallholdings, Food Production, Multiple Species, Worst of the Worst

Llanddowror, Carmarthenshire: Eirlys and Dewi Thomas

May 14, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Eirlys Thomas and Dewi Aeron Thomas of Cildywyll Farm, Llanddowror, Carmarthen SA33 4HP – for the mistreatment of livestock.

Neither Dewi Thomas (pictured) or his mother Eirlys Thomas were banned from working with animals despite causing enormous suffering to cattle and sheep on their disgusting farm

Mother and son Eirlys and Dewi Thomas were prosecuted for the unnecessary suffering of livestock after concerned welfare officers visited their farm and found animals in an ‘appalling’ condition.

Following welfare concerns, an unannounced visit was carried out at Cildywyll Farm in February 2022 by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health Officer and a vet from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

As the officers approached the farm from the drive, they came across a very thin, brown cow that was lying down in a field by herself. The cow had just calved. The cow was still alive but her calf had sadly died. The cow had not been properly observed or monitored during the birthing process, resulting in the loss of the calf.

In a shed on the farm, officers found another cow lying in muck laying on her right-hand side with her legs tucked up. It was first thought the cow was dead until she was seen to be breathing. The cow was in poor body condition, with no evidence of food or water in front of her and no dry area to lie down. Behind the cow, and against a wall, lay her calf which had died. The cow had been lying in that state, untreated since she had calved 5 days prior. After advice from the farm’s vet, the cow had to be euthanised.

Within the calf pens, was a downer calf that could not get up. After assessing the calf, it was advised to euthanise the calf due to severe pneumonia. Several other calves also needed to be treated for pneumonia but had not received any veterinary treatment.

In the sheep shed, officers found several untreated lame sheep. Two downer ewes were assessed by a vet and it was advised that both ewes were euthanised.

The cows, calves and sheep had no access to fresh drinking water and drank immediately when the officers gave them water.

There were 19 cattle carcasses and 3 sheep carcasses laying around the farm in various stages of decay where wildlife and farm animals, including pigs, had access to the carcasses.

The Thomases both pleaded guilty to four counts of section 4 and three counts of section 9 offences of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, by causing unnecessary suffering.

They also failed to dispose of Category 1 material without undue delay and did not ensure that no animal or bird have access to the carcasses.

Finally, they failed to report death within seven days and therefore failed to comply with The Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007.

Sentencing | 20-week custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months, concurrent on each charge; 200 hours of unpaid work, 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements; costs of £2,700.00.

Swansea Bay News
West Wales Chronicle

Dogs, UKACF Exclusive, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Llanelli, Carmarthenshire: Terrence Tovey

May 11, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Terrence Anthony Tovey, born 21 December 1956, of 56 Penyfan Road, Llanelli SA15 1JP – caught on CCTV subjecting a German Shepherd to a prolonged vicious assault.

A German Shepherd endured a horrific ordeal at the hands of this man, Terrence Tovey from Llanelli, Wales

On 29 August 2022 at around 11pm Terrence Tovey was filmed kicking his pet dog, named Dylan, repeatedly on his head and body. Tovey then drags the petrified German Shepherd along by his lead and proceeds to suspend him from a fence.

Horrifyingly, Dylan is seen to struggle to keep all four paws on the ground before he is subjected to even more violence

The dog is only saved from further brutality when members of the public run forward to confront Tovey. A discussion follows and Tovey then walks off with the dog down a footpath.

Dylan endured a horrific ordeal at the hands Terrence Tovey from Llanelli, Wales

The footage was passed to RSPCA Cymru, who issued a media appeal for information in December 2022. This soon led to Tovey being identified and apprehended.

Dylan was immediately taken into the RSPCA’s care and underwent veterinary examination. Although underweight and clearly traumatised from his ordeal, he appears to have suffered no long-term physical damage.

The court heard from two witnesses – an elderly couple who are believed to be the ones shown on the video intervening. They said they were alerted by the sound of a dog “screaming” and went to investigate. They described how they saw Tovey stamping on Dylan’s head and thought he was being killed.

Tovey pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Thursday 11 May 2023.

He was given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £400 costs and £154 victim surcharge. He is disqualified from keeping domestic animals for 10 years (expires May 2033).

Happily Dylan was soon rehomed with a family. His doting new owners describe him as a little anxious especially around men but is otherwise “a sweet-natured and loving little soul, who loves to play and is extremely affectionate”.

Source: supplied information

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Monmouth, Monmouthshire: Gareth Lawler

December 23, 2022 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2022) | puppy farmer and Crufts dog show judge Gareth Lawler, born c. 1965, previously of Hendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, but now living in the town of Monmouth – ran an illegal breeding operation where dogs were kept in awful conditions.

Crufts dog show judge and puppy farmer Gareth Lawler from Monmouth, Wales, UK. Image: Daily Mail

Shamed Kennel Club judge Gareth Lawler – who has been going to Crufts for more than 30 years – made £153,000 from puppy farming.

He was found to have bred 27 litters in just four years, with dogs selling for anywhere between £500 and £2,000 a time.

He bred and sold highly-sought after breeds including English springer spaniels, cocker spaniels, Tibetan terriers, Hungarian vizslas, longhaired dachshunds, shih tzu crosses and cockerpoos.

Carmarthenshire Council wanted to search Lawler’s home “due to the unsatisfactory conditions his own dogs were being kept in and refusal to allow officers to access areas where other dogs and puppies were housed.”

A spokesman said: “The subsequent search and online investigations by Council Officers uncovered breeding dogs and puppies being kept in poor conditions as well as evidence of large-scale unlicensed dog breeding.

“Twenty-seven litters were bred between 24th July 2016 and 22nd July 2020, 11 of which were bred in the last 12 months, despite being advised of current dog breeding regulations on more than one occasion.”

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “I would like to praise the actions of our Animal Welfare team who uncovered unlicensed dog breeding, as well as dogs being kept in unacceptable conditions during an inspection which forms part of the dog boarding licensing procedure.

“Mr Lawler is well-known on the dog show circuit, having judged English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels and Welsh Springer Spaniels at Kennel Club shows and this case indicates the importance of licenses for dog boarding and breeding, both of which are in place to protect the welfare of dogs.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that breeders and boarders of dogs in Carmarthenshire follow the rules that are in place which ensure that breeding dogs, their puppies and those being boarded are being kept in proper conditions”.

Lawler was ordered to repay £78,000 in three months or go to jail for 12 months. The £78,000 sum would be confiscated from Lawler under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Lawler was also fined £500 for the unlicensed breeding and was given six months to pay this. If he doesn’t a further 14 days prison sentence will be activated

Posts from Lawler’s social media accounts appear to show he is a member of the English Springer Spaniel Club of Wales, and frequently shares updates on dog competitions and judging.

Planet Radio
Daily Mail

donkeys and mules, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies

Pontyates, Carmarthenshire: Zoie Burton

October 13, 2022 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | donkey breeder Zoie Celena Burton, born April 1983, of 142 Heol Llanelli, Pontyates, Llanelli SA15 5UH – for cruelty to 24 donkeys one of whom had to be put to sleep.

Zoie Burton, co-owner of breeding business Donkeys of Wales with her mother Lynn Burton, who was not prosecuted, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

These were that she caused unnecessary suffering to 24 donkeys, by failing to ensure adequate hoof care for them and failing to provide a sustainable environment for 22 donkeys and a pony.

Burton was prosecuted following a multi-agency operation in February 2021 where 72 donkeys and one horse were taken into possession by police on welfare grounds..

There were around 100 equines on site during the warrant execution – and following veterinary examinations, 72 donkeys and one horse were taken into possession by police.

One donkey – a rare mammoth named Sue – was crippled by laminitis. After being examined by one of the vets on site, she was put to sleep by the owner’s own vet on welfare grounds.

In one barn, a skewbald female donkey was found with “deformed and twisted” overgrown hooves.

The vet statement said: “There was white line disease and thrush in all four feet due to lack of adequate hoof care and lack of suitable environment.”

A chestnut roan female mammoth donkey was found in the same barn, with its “right hoof rocking laterally due to the overgrowth.” She was weight shifting on her limbs when stood still, and was given pain relief to travel to the donkey sanctuary.

The donkeys were placed into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, and the pony is now in the care of the RSPCA.

Following more than a year of patient rehabilitation, many of the donkeys are thriving, although some continue to require specialist care and treatment.

Since their arrival, 20 foals have been born to the pregnant mares among the group.

Sentencing | 18-week prison sentence – suspended for two years. 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days; £1,128 in costs and victim surcharge. 10-year ban on keeping equines.

Wales Online
South Wales Guardian

Additional Information

We are advised that Zoie Burton was prosecuted by the RSPCA previously though no details of the case are available.

Donkeys of Wales (DoW) made the local papers in January 2020 in relation to the mis-selling of a pony named Arthur. DoW were ordered to pay £459 in compensation to a couple after they bought Arthur, who was misadvertised as a two-year-old colt in good condition. In reality, he was aged between 12 and 12 years and suffering severe dental problems.

Zoie and Lynn Burton have apparently been breeding and selling pygmy goats in the months leading up to the former’s conviction. They have several different usernames on various selling sites. Including Coco1960 and Poo Bear.

Known aliases for Zoie Burton are Nerys Rhys and Paula Howells.

Her partner Luke Alan Rees is also believed to be involved with DoW.

Useful resource: Donkeys of Wales: The Truth.

Trust Pilot reviews of Donkeys of Wales.

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Worst of the Worst

Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire: Stephen Fanstone

October 10, 2022 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2022) | Stephen Antony Fanstone, born 14 June 1965, of Heol Aneddfa, Pontyberem, Llanelli SA15 5AB – subjected three horses to at least three years of cruelty and neglect. All three animals put to sleep.

The RSPCA visited Parcnewydd Farm near Pontyberem in Carmarthenshire in April 2022 after it was contacted by charity World Horse Welfare, which had raised serious concerns about three horses being kept there.

On the farm, an inspector saw a chestnut gelding called Muffy and a grey mare called Rosie, both of whom were very thin with their hips, ribs and spines clearly visible.

Muffy weighed just 328 kg compared to the expected weight of between 500kg and 600kg for a horse of his breed and age, while Rosie was found to have an untreated melanoma in her mouth which had been ongoing for months or even years.

Another grey mare, Lily, was overweight and had such severely overgrown hooves that they had curled up off the ground and resembled what the RSPCA described as “Arabian slippers”.

A vet said the length of the hooves were the result of at least three years of growth and that Lily had been “neglected and caused unnecessary suffering for many years”.

The owner of the horses, Stephen Antony Fanstone, said he “hadn’t noticed” the terrible state his animals had got into.

Describing the visit to the farm, RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben, said: “The owner of the horses arrived on site and I explained to him that the animals were in a terrible state. He told me he attended daily and did not notice how poor the horses were and that he had been unable to get a farrier. I explained to him that I thought all of the horses were suffering and that an equine vet was on their way.”

After arriving at the farm, the vet said: “After a brief assessment it was clear that all three horses showed signs of long-term suffering. Muffy had areas of hair loss and crusting over the body, in particular the base of the neck, inner thigh region and around the hocks.

“Lice were visible in these areas and there were clear signs of malnutrition. There was no evidence of an attempt to treat the lice infestation and I would estimate the period of suffering to be at least three months and most likely longer

“Rosie had a poor coat over her entire body with obvious signs of malnutrition and there were signs suggesting the horse had been kept with inadequate shelter and no effort to treat her skin condition. Lily’s hooves appeared extremely overgrown and their condition was clearly inadequate. When questioned the owner had stated he had kept on top of trimming her hooves, but there was no evidence of recent attempts.”

Despite treatment, all three horses were in such poor condition that they were put down on the back of veterinary advice in order to prevent further suffering.

Fanstone admitted three animal welfare charges and was given an 18-week suspended prison sentence and five-year ban on keeping any animals.

Speaking after the case, inspector Hogben said: “It would have been obvious to anyone who was attending to these horses that they all needed urgent veterinary treatment, and if this had been administered sooner, they may still have been alive today. The neglect of these animals was shocking, yet their owner thought there was nothing wrong with them when concerns were first raised with him.

“I’d like to thank World Horse Welfare officer Tony Evans for his assistance with this investigation and his ongoing work to support equine welfare across the region.”

Sentencing | 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; 20-hour Rehabilitation Activity Requirement; £528 in costs and surcharge. Five-year ban on keeping any animals (expires October 2027).

Wales Online
South Wales Guardian
Your Horse

UK Animal Cruelty Files