CONVICTED (2022) | Claire Kathleen Hollis, born 22 September 1985, of no fixed address – left two horses to suffer.
Claire Hollis is banned from keeping equines after starving and neglecting Peps and Rupert. Both horses have recovered in the care of Redwings horse charity.
The RSPCA was contacted in February 2021 by welfare officers from Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Harlow. They raised concerns for the welfare of two horses known as Peps and Rupert, who were being kept in a field off Pond Lane in Bishop’s Stortford.
A vet was called to examine the horses, and they confirmed both Peps and Rupert to have a body condition score of just 0.5 out of 5.
In her witness statement, RSPCA Inspector Jessica Dayes said: “It was clear straight away when the mare’s rug was taken off that she was in poor body condition.
“Her hips, ribs and spine were all clearly visible and easy to feel. She also had diarrhea running down her back legs and rubs on her shoulders caused by the rug. The rug was put back on after examination due to the very cold weather, and the vet raised concerns that she was hypothermic.
Inspector Dayes added: “When the vet examined the Welsh pony it was clear he was also very underweight. When I felt under his winter coat I could feel his spine and hips, he also had lice and dandruff seen heavily in his mane. The vet also showed me an area on his hip that was swollen and uncomfortable when touched.”
The vet remarked in their witness statement: “At the time they were seized both horses were deemed to be suffering unnecessarily under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as there was no provision for their basic needs of food and water.
“The poor body condition of both horses indicated that this lack of provision of food had been an ongoing problem resulting in significant weight loss. Provision of adequate food and water, a basic requirement of a responsible owner, would have prevented this suffering occurring.
“The lack of food must have occurred over a protracted period, of weeks rather than days, to allow for the poor body condition score to be achieved.”
The District Judge noted there was evident suffering and there had been a failure to provide care for the equines. He stated the fact Hollis believed the animals were fine as they were found was an insult.
Jo Franklin, Redwings Senior Field Officer, said: “This was a very upsetting case and we are so pleased that justice has been done. Both horses have made really good progress since coming to Redwings, they have now settled in well at one of our sites in Norfolk and have made a great recovery thanks to our vets and care staff.”
Sentencing: community order with curfew; £895 costs and charges. 10-year ban on keeping horses.
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.
#MostEvil | serial animal abuser and so-called ‘Gypsy Horse King’ Thomas Tony Price, born 3 June 1964, and partner Luanne Bishop, both of Redway Road, Bonvilston, Cardiff CF5 – for cruelty to horses and sheep kept in atrocious conditions
Tom Price was sent to prison and banned for life from keeping any animals after a history of prosecutions for mistreatment. HIs partner Luanne Bishop also received a lifetime ban with an exception for certain species …
In his latest conviction for animal cruelty horse trader and breeder Thomas Tony Price was found guilty on 32 counts of failing to ensure a suitable environment for horses and sheep.
Price was sentenced to six months in prison and banned for life from keeping any animals after a history of prosecutions for mistreatment that had previously seen him receive a five-year disqualification in 2013.
Before passing sentence, District Judge Neil Thomas told Price that the evidence against him had been compelling. He had failed to manage the animals competently and was hopelessly overstocked.
The judge also took a dim view of the fact Price had obstructed officers during the course of their duties at one of the sites.
Price and Bishop kept animals in atrocious conditions and left them to suffer with untreated open wounds
Price’s co-defendant and partner, Luanne Bishop, pleaded guilty to 31 of the charges and was sentenced at the same hearing to a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. She will have to wear an electronic tag for that period and be subject to a night-time curfew between 9pm and 6am. Bishop was also disqualified from keeping any animals for life, except for a number of specified pets.
Gypsy Horse King Tom Price pictured in 2019 with partner Luanne Bishop and their daughter
The case was brought to trial under the Animal Welfare Act by Shared Regulatory Services, the body responsible for providing Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing functions across the Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Local Authority areas.
Dave Holland, Head of Shared Regulatory Services, said: “Mr Price has a track record of mistreating animals and I hope this sentence sends out a message that such neglect and cruelty will not be tolerated in our Local Authority areas.
“The decision to hand down a prison sentence and the lifetime disqualification reflects the seriousness of these offences and the extreme suffering Price was responsible for. Not only do Price’s practices harm animals, they also cause problems for the wider communities as animals were often allowed to stray or fly-graze on land that he did not own.
“This conviction follows many months of partnership working between local authorities, South Wales Police Redwings and the RSPCA. Having to seize and care for animals on this scale has been extremely costly, but those that keep animals should be left in no doubt that these are steps we are prepared to take to ensure animals receive the appropriate level of care.”
Sheep were suffering from the effects of maggots and associated wounds.
Relating to three locations across the Vale and Bridgend, the court heard that Price had kept the animals in atrocious conditions.
In August 2019, Animal Health and Welfare Officers found a flock of Jacob sheep with fleeces still unshorn during a visit to Swn-y-Mor in Wick despite it being late into the summer.
Several sheep carcases were also found at the site and upon closer inspection it emerged that a number of the remaining sheep were suffering from the effects of maggots and associated wounds. Under veterinary supervision the worst affected sheep were put down and the remainder of the flock seized by the Local Authority.
Then, in January 2020, Animal Health and Welfare Officers found that Price was keeping his horses in appalling conditions at sites in Bonvilston, Coity, and again at Swn-y-Mor, Wick.
They were found standing in extremely deep mud, there was a lack of clean fresh water, and some had no forage. Two of the sites were strewn with hazards such as sharp metal and barbed wire, and at one site the horses were kept in overcrowded, filthy conditions with nowhere for them to lie down.
Price was charged with causing unnecessary suffering in relation to eight horses, some of which were significantly underweight, while others had long-standing wounds caused by ill-fitting rugs.
Officers were left with no choice but to seize a total of 240 horses from across the three locations.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We were pleased to support Shared Regulatory Services with this complex and important equine operation; which highlights again what can be achieved working together for animal welfare.
“Many of these horses were living in wholly inappropriate conditions and we are very happy to have worked closely with SRS, the Police and Redwings to rescue them and ensure many of these animals have a second chance of happiness.”
Nic de Brauwere, Redwings‘ head of welfare and behaviour and senior veterinary surgeon, added: “I witnessed first-hand the shocking conditions and desperate lack of care at these sites, which included ponies with untreated wounds, not enough food and water and many that were severely underweight living in totally unsuitable conditions.
“I am therefore very pleased and relieved to see a successful prosecution and robust sentencing, which will prevent more horses facing neglect at the hands of these individuals.
“This is by no means the first case Redwings has dealt with involving horses from this owner and the sheer amount of charity time, energy and resources that we have invested in protecting these animals over the years is difficult to put into words.
“We’d like to offer our sincere thanks to the councils of the Shared Regulatory Services from Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, who persisted with this crucial case throughout the past year, despite challenges presented by the pandemic.
“And to our fellow welfare charities who have supported us every step of the way. Efforts are now underway to rehome the horses, who have since been brought back to full health.”
Sentencing: Tom Price – six months in prison. Banned for life from keeping any animals. Luanne Bishop – 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. Tagging order. Lifetime ban on keeping animals with exceptions for certain species of pets.
CONVICTED (2021) | Nicholas Green, born 30 March 1959, of 22 Glebe Close, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross SL9 9NU – allowed three horses to suffer including two pregnant mares.
Bruni, Summer and Elsa in November Credit: Redwings
Green caused unnecessary suffering and failed to address the poor condition of mares Elsa and Summer. He also did not meet the needs or address the poor condition of a third horse called Guard.
An RSPCA spokesman said members of the public reported concerns about the horses’ condition and a lack of food and water, to the charity and World Horse Welfare. A vet was called on 21 February 2020 after it was felt the situation had become “critical”.
“Officers had visited on several occasions during the two months prior, leaving notices asking the owner to get in contact with them but had had no owner contact in that time,” he said.
“In the vet’s opinion Summer and Elsa were in very poor body condition, and their nutritional demands were not being met, especially as both were found to be pregnant. The vet felt they were suffering at the time of examination; and was concerned their suffering was likely to continue, and potentially worsen.”
The spokesman added that a member of the public reported she filled the water tubs in the field almost daily, as “otherwise they would be empty”, and that feeding by the owner was sporadic.
In February 2020, Elsa and Summer were taken to Redwings Horse Sanctuary, where Elsa gave birth to a filly the following month, named Bruni.
“Very sadly Summer gave birth to a stillborn foal in April. Thanks to Elsa’s companionship and lots of care from Redwings’ vet and equine teams, Summer recovered from her loss and the three spent the summer enjoying time out in a field together,” said the RSPCA spokesman.
“Over the summer the two horses slowly began to regain weight, their stiffness was managed and they enjoyed the company of their carers. However in October Summer was brought into Redwings’ hospital with severe lameness caused by a hoof abscess. Upon further inspection it became clear that she was also suffering from osteomyelitis – an infection of the pedal bone in her foot.”
The spokesman said despite best efforts to keep Summer comfortable it was decided the “kindest thing to do” was to put her down.
“To treat her infection would have required surgery with a potentially long and painful recovery and, coupled with Summer’s existing osteoarthritis in her hind legs, it wasn’t deemed fair,” he said.
“Owning horses is a privilege, and despite repeated warnings, the standards of care have fallen well short of legal requirements
Redwings’ chief executive Lynn Cutress added while the charity is “incredibly sad” to have lost Summer, they take comfort she had 10 happy months in the charity’s care.
“Her and Elsa had many health issues to overcome when they first came to the sanctuary and it’s thanks to the actions of the RSPCA and the dedication of our teams that these beautiful best friends were able to come so far together,” she said.
“Their care gave Elsa’s foal Bruni a chance at a healthy and happy life, and we now look forward to being able to give this stunning mother and daughter a loving forever home.”
Sentencing | 12-month community order to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work; £1,090 costs and charges. Banned from keeping equines for five years (expires January 2026). A deprivation order was granted in respect of the horses.
CONVICTED (2019) | Stacy Humphrys (aka Boogile Lee), born c. 1987, of West Meadows Travellers Site, Ipswich IP1 5NU – kept 17 dogs, 23 poultry and a young pony in terrible conditions
Serial animal abuser Stacy Humphrys from Ipswich is now banned indefinitely from keeping animals.
Humphrys admitted seven offences under the Animal Welfare Act. These included four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a filly and seven dogs, and three of failing to meet the welfare needs of 17 dogs, 23 poultry and the filly pony.
Some of the neglected animals found at the travellers site where Humphrys resides
The RSPCA were called to Humphrys’ home at the West Meadows travellers encampment in April 2019, following reports of an underweight whippet.
When Inspector Jason Finch arrived he discovered another dog with fur loss and two dogs in a room covered in old and fresh faeces.
After being shown around the rest of the location, Inspector Finch was concerned and alarmed for a number of animals he saw. He then contacted police, a vet and other RSPCA offers for assistance.
Speaking after the case, Inspector Finch said: “It was extremely disturbing to see so many animals living in such terrible conditions.
“As we proceeded round the property more and more dogs were found in runs that were too small. All were filthy with faeces, and had little or no water.
“Some of the dogs, particularly those with long coats, were also filthy with faeces, some dogs had fur loss, and live fleas could be seen on many of the dogs. Two dogs which were extremely thin, nervous and covered in faeces frantically drank a bowl dry when they were given fresh water at the vets.
“We and other organisations have tried to work with this defendant in the past in a bid to help him improve the welfare of all his animals.
“But despite the help and advice he has been given in the past, he failed to do what was right for these animals which led them to suffer.”
All the animals taken from the property were signed over by the defendant and have made a good recovery with many already in loving new homes.
Julie Harding, senior field officer of horse sanctuary Redwings, said: “We were hugely shocked and appalled to discover the unnecessary suffering of the little black filly, as we have previously worked with the owner in a bid to help him improve the welfare of his horses.
“When the young filly arrived at the sanctuary she was so weak and underweight that she couldn’t stand up without our help. Luckily, thanks to the dedication of our vets and care team, she has gone on to make a full recovery and she is guaranteed a safe home in Redwings’ care for the rest of her life.”
Sentencing: 16 weeks in prison. Total costs and charges of £989. Banned for an indefinite period from keeping all animals – with a right to appeal after five years. In November 2019 the indefinite banning order was reduced to five years with the right of appeal after one year.
In March 2014 Humphrys was jailed for two years after his horses wandered onto the A14 at Sproughton in Suffolk, causing the death of a driver when four vehicles ploughed into them.
Three horses were killed and 23-year-old Thomas Allen of Soham, Cambridgeshire, died a couple of days later.
Update September 2021
Further conviction for similar offences. Full details here.
CONVICTED (2017) | Gussie (or Gussy) Lee, born c. 1956, of Woodland Way, Ipswich IP1 5PE – caused suffering to a large group of horses based in Paper Mill Lane in north Ipswich
Gypsy Gussie Lee is banned from keeping animals after causing suffering to a large group of horses
Gussie Lee was banned from keeping animals after horses he owned were found hungry, dehydrated and diseased.
Lee pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of 10 horses and causing unnecessary suffering to six of them.
RSPCA inspectors visited the horses in Paper Mill Lane, north Ipswich, after concerns were raised about their condition.
Prosecuting, Hugh Rowland, said that on January 5, 2017, five horses were found “very underweight” and Lee was issued with a warning notice, requiring him to ensure the animals were fed and wormed and to call a vet if their condition deteriorated further.
Returning on January 12 with a vet, Mr Rowlnad said the horses’ condition was found to have worsened. Blood tests found some of the horses were suffering liver disease from eating a toxic plant.
The horses were found with matted hair, ingrown hooves, lice infestations and some were suffering from anaemia or dehydration. They were seized by police, handed over to the RSPCA and taken to a horse sanctuary.
Mr Rowland said the vet “was of the view” it would have taken more than four weeks for the worst affected to reach that state.
In mitigation, David Allan, defending, said Lee had expressed “genuine shame” about what had happened. He said Lee was in ill health, having suffered several heart attacks. Most significantly, Mr Allan said, he had been affected by the “extremely fraught” situation that followed two killings on West Meadows travellers’ site.
Chairman of the magistrates’ bench, Anne Tyler, said the offences fell into the category of “high culpability”. “It’s so serious that only custodial options are appropriate,” she added.
The RSPCA said the horses had since undergone an “amazing transformation” thanks to the RSPCA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
Sentencing: 16-week custodial sentence suspended for 24 months for causing unnecessary suffering to six horses and 12 weeks suspended for two years for failing to meet the needs of 10 horses, to run concurrently. He was ordered to pay £500 costs and £115 victim surcharge to be taken from his benefits. He was also banned from keeping animals and told he could not appeal for 10 years.
CONVICTED (2017) | gypsy travellers Harry Dunn, Tommy Dunn, Matthew Dunn and Christine Chambers – banned from keeping horses after animals discovered living amongst carcasses
The notorious Dunn family from Sevenoaks were banned from keeping horses after they left sick animals in the same field as a rotting carcass and poisonous ragwort.
Harry Dunn, Tommy Tucker Dunn, Matthew Dunn and family friend Christine Chambers were found guilty of offences under the Animal Welfare Act, following a two-day trial.
The travellers neglected seven horses, including three foals kept at a field near the family home.
Inspectors found a Shetland pony and her foal who were very thin and riddled with worms, a thin skewbald pony who was also suffering from a worm burden, two foals who were suffering from an untreated respiratory condition, a very thin mare and a colt who had very poor hooves.
All of the horses were kept in a field that had a high amount of a poisonous plant known as ragwort.
The horses were taken by police in February 2016, following several months of work from the RSPCA, British Horse Society (BHS), Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare.
Teams from Kent County Council and Kent Police were also on hand to investigate the welfare of the horses in the area, and a further 29 horses were removed as no owners claimed them and there were serious welfare concerns for them. These horses were taken in by the RSPCA, with four transferred to World Horse Welfare for care.
Harry Dunn of Barnfield Park Caravan Site, Ash, Sevenoaks TN15, was found guilty of two offences of causing unnecessary suffering and one offence of keeping animals in an unsuitable environment. He was banned from keeping horses for one year and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £550 fine.
His son Matthew Dunn, DoB 05/08/1989, of the same address, was also found guilty of two offences of causing unnecessary suffering and two section 9 offences relating to the unsuitable environment the horses were kept in. He was banned from keeping horses for two years and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £400 fine.
Harry Dunn’s nephew, Tommy Tucker Dunn, DoB 10/06/1986, was found guilty of one offence of causing unnecessary suffering and one sections 9 offence. He was banned from keeping horses for two years and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £400 fine. The career criminal, who has racked up convictions for theft and fraud, was also previously convicted of horse cruelty in August 2012 alongside his parents Tommy Dunn Senior and Shirley Dunn.
Family friend Christine Chambers of Porchester Close, Longfield, Dartford, was found guilty of one offence of causing unnecessary suffering and two welfare offences related to the conditions the horses were kept in. She was banned from keeping horses for two years and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £400 fine.
CONVICTED (2013) | Sam Smith, born c. 1959, of the travellers site, Romany Lane, Kessingland, Lowestoft NR33 7RB – failed to protect a horse found hanging from a cliff face.
Smith, a traveller, was jailed for eight weeks after the unnamed colt was found on a cliff face in Pakefield near Lowestoft, hanging from a tether around his neck.
He admitted causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the horse’s welfare needs over the incident in March 2013.
The RSPCA said one of its inspectors, Nicky Thorne, was called out to the horse near Pontins Holiday Park and managed to cut him down with her pocket knife.
In a six-hour rescue, the unconscious pony was rescued from the beach with help from the fire service and taken to the Norfolk-based Redwings Horse Sanctuary for treatment.
Tragically, he died from a collapsed windpipe on arrival at the charity.
Ms Thorne said: “I was so upset; I kept telling the horse he would be the most famous and looked after horse in Suffolk if he pulled through.
“To lose him after six hours of trying to save him was awful.
“I am so grateful to the fire service, to the coastguard and to Redwings – everyone went above and beyond to try to save this horse’s life.
“I called the horse Frank after Frank Sinatra as he had blue eyes and I will remember him for a long time.”
Nic de Brauwere, senior veterinary surgeon at Redwings, said: “There is no doubt that young Frank suffered terribly, which is harrowing enough in itself.
“But what is most upsetting is the knowledge that the whole incident was completely unnecessary.”
Sentencing | Jailed for eight weeks. Banned from keeping animals for 15 years (expires October 2028).
#MostEvil | Amersham horse trader James John Gray (05/09/1963), wife Julie Cordelia Gray (24/05/1967) and daughters Jodie June Gray (12/09/1982) and Cordelia Gray (29/05/1988) and James Gray junior (23/01/1993) – left more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys to starve among the rotting carcasses of other animals
Clockwise from top left: James Gray Sr, Julie Gray, Cordelia Gray, Jodie Gray, court protestors, James Gray Jr
In a case veterinary expert witness described as the worst case of animal cruelty they had ever seen, 31 equines were found dead at Spindle Farm, Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, Amersham. Some 111 other horses, ponies and donkeys were rescued.
The massive rescue was co-ordinated by Thames Valley Police, Trading Standards and the RSPCA with help from the Horse Trust, the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the Blue Cross
James Gray Sr is banned for life from keeping equine animals
Hooves and body parts of horses that had been left to die were scattered around and a grotesque mound made up of bones and skulls was discovered.
The horror scene was uncovered when RSPCA inspectors were called to the farm, where a horse-trading business run by the Gray family was based.
James Gray Jr
There were 140 animals at the farm and many were left with little food or dry bedding, were crammed into pens and ankle-deep in their own faeces.
Jodie Gray, aka Jodie Keet, with son Tommy Gray
In total 115 animals, some severely emaciated, had to be rescued and removed from the farm during a huge operation in January 2009.
Robert Seabrook QC told the court how two RSPCA inspectors visiting the farm in January 2008 were confronted with a “grotesque and distressing state of affairs”.
He said a number of horses were discovered in “disgusting pens”, some were tethered individually and others were loose in the paddocks.
The most extraordinary aspect he said was that many horses were next to carcasses in varying states of decomposition and the smell of rotting flesh was “over-powering”.
He added: “A number of animals that were found had plainly been dead for a number of days and as it turns out, some for many months.”
Julie Gray
The court heard in one pen three severed hooves were found alongside the bodies of two other horses.
James Gray Sr was convicted of nine charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and two charges of failing to protect animals from pain, injury, suffering and disease.
His son James Gray Jr was convicted of identical charges although two were later overturned on appeal.
Gray’s wife, Julie, and daughters Cordelia and Jodie were found guilty of the two charges of failing to protect the animals.
No member of the family showed any sign of emotion as the judge passed sentence.
RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton described the conditions the horses were kept in as “grotesque”.
Speaking after the sentencing, Hampton said: “The RSPCA is pleased the district judge has recognised the extent of the cruelty, neglect and the suffering endured by the animals in this case.
“We see the disqualifications from keeping horses as an effective measure to prevent animals suffering in future.”
Sentencing: James Gray Sr was sentenced to six months in prison and banned from keeping horses, ponies and donkeys for life. He was also ordered to pay £400,000. Gray was given a further two months after absconding from court. Two of Gray’s convictions were overturned in 2010, but Gray was ordered to pay £600,000 towards the RSPCA’s legal costs and faced financial ruin. A later appeal against what Gray claimed were disproportionate legal costs was rejected.
James Gray Junior was given an 18-month supervision order. He was banned from keeping equines for 10 years with right of appeal after five (ban expired June 2019).
Julie, Jodie and Cordelia Gray were each given 150 hours of community service. They were also banned from keeping equines for 10 years, with the right of appeal after five (bans expired June 2019).
Julie Gray was ordered to pay £750 in costs, and Cordelia Gray and Jodie Gray £500 each.
James Gray and Cordelia Gray, 57 Narcot Road, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4DF Julie Cordelia Gray, 15 Weller Road, Amersham HP6 6LQ James Gray Jr, Chalk Hill Farm, Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, Amersham HP6 5SA Jodie June Gray (also known as Jodie Keet), 14 Middle Meadow, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4QS
Update September 2021
The Bucks Free Press reported that James Gray was let off £200,000-worth of fines due to bankruptcy.
Gray was ordered to pay more than £1million in fines and court costs and has served jail time since he was convicted of multiple animal welfare offences in 2008.
He attempted to appeal the convictions at London’s High Court in 2013, but although two of his 11 original convictions were overturned, he was ultimately unsuccessful and had another £200,000 added to his legal bill.
In August 2021, Gray, of 57 Narcot Road in Chalfont St Giles, had £223,453-worth of fines written off.
Documents attached to the court listing state that the amount was remitted due to Gray being bankrupt, having served prison time, and the RSPCA refusing the money.
In 2014, Gray was hauled back before the courts and was jailed for four-and-a-half years after he fleeced pensioners out of thousands of pounds for cowboy building works.
In an attempt to raise funds to pay off his fines and court costs, Gray conned an 88-year-old former British Library academic out of £20,000 for work which experts valued at just £150.
He drained £18,000 out of another 80-year-old victim’s account, leaving him with just £300 after repeatedly demanding money from him. This victim died just months after the money was found to be missing.
Gray, who had done this work under the fake name ‘Joseph De Paula’, admitted two counts of fraud by false representation before he was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court.
We collate data on animal cruelty convictions in the UK
