CONVICTED (2024) | dog collector Judy Patricia Doolan, born 10 May 1959, of 12 East Ride, Brent Knoll, HighbridgeTA9 4EA – kept 16 badly neglected Romanian rescue dogs in an unattended property.
The 16 Romanian rescue dogs had reportedly been left unattended at Doolan’s home for several days while she lived elsewhere on a caravan site. Some were emaciated and had rotten teeth, dirty smelly coats, and overgrown nails.
Several were found to be extremely fear-aggressive and unsafe to handle through their lack of socialisation. Nine dogs had to be put down due to their poor state of health.
The court heard how in March 2023 RSPCA inspector Hayley Lawrence attended at Doolan’s home to investigate a report of concern about animals at the property. On looking through the letter box she could see that the property was very dirty inside with large amounts of faeces covering the floor area which she said “looked and smelled horrendous”.
Inspector Lawrence had concerns for Doolan’s wellbeing as well as for the dogs so she called her colleagues, police and a vet to attend. Dogs could be seen at the window but no food or water could be seen.
Police located Doolan at the caravan site and returned to the address where she brought the dogs out individually to the front door for them to be checked and recorded.
On examination, many of the dogs were found to have severe matting – the matts on one dog were found to weigh 2.15kg.
The vet describes observing that two rooms of the house had a large build up of faecal matter with the windows heavily soiled in faeces. Some of the dogs also had faecal soiling on their feet and coats.
In mitigation, it was said Ms Doolan had rescued dogs from Romania and had got out of her depth and had struggled with personal difficulties throughout her life.
Doolan plead guilty to two animal welfare offences. She had appealed against her sentence, which was originally imposed in October 2023.
The surviving dogs have been cared for by RSPCA and are thriving.
Speaking after the appeal hearing Inspector Lawrence said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment they need when they need it.
“Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”
Sentencing | fined £600. Ten-year ban on keeping dogs but may appeal after seven years.
CONVICTED (2023) | Brenda Pilling, born c. 1980, and partner Darren Horsford, born c. 1974, of Mardale Road, Huton – for the shocking neglect of multiple dogs, leading to the deaths of two of them.
Police were called to the home of Brenda Pilling and Darren Horsford on on June 14, 2022, after receiving reports of a dog being “left out in the heat with no food or water”.
Peter Mitchell, prosecuting, described how Ibizan hound Missy was found by officers “in a collapsed state” and “malnourished and lifeless” on the “extremely hot day”.
As arrangements were being made for her to be removed from the property, Horsford and Pilling arrived at the address – where two other dogs were also being kept – and were said to have behaved in a “hostile and aggressive” manner. They claimed that the pet in question was being treated by vet charity the PDSA
The RSPCA then visited on June 17, 2022, and found an underweight German shepherd called Nala, who was “struggling to walk normally” due to hip dysplasia.
A Staffordshire bull terrier-type by the name of Smokey was also found to be underweight.
Under interview with inspectors, Pilling claimed that she had been feeding Missy a diet of pasta, chicken, rice, salmon and eggs since she had begun to lose weight around mid-May, but that this had not brought about an improvement.
Pilling stated that they had then taken her to the PDSA, who “said there was nothing wrong with the dog”.
The charity had no records of such a visit however.
When Horsford was spoken to, he said he “smelled a rat” and suspected they had “given the wrong diagnosis and were trying to cover it up”.
Upon examination, Missy was found to weigh 10.75kg – or “at least 50 per cent underweight” – and was unable to stand. She then contracted pyometra, an infection of the womb which would “normally be easily treatable”.
But the dog was deemed unable to undergo anaesthesia due to her emaciated condition. She was therefore put to sleep “on humane grounds”.
Nala, who weighed in at 24.2kg, was said to have an “abnormal gait” and was “cow hocked”. She was said to be in “clear pain” and was also euthanized.
Smokey meanwhile had “no other health issues” other than being underweight at 13.4kg, and remains in the care of the RSPCA.
The charity’s investigation found that the dogs’ conditions were “most likely due to an inadequate diet”.
Kevin Liston, appearing on behalf of Pilling, said of the mum to two disabled children: “She is somebody who is not malicious towards animals but is someone who is deficient, both in terms of her personal capacity and finances, to address those conditions.
“She is someone who has sponsored animal charities over the years, she took these animals in from rescue centres.
“These dogs were looked after and in a good state for a period of time. She has accepted responsibility in part and displayed a level of remorse.
“She is someone who was moved and upset when informed of the fact they had been euthanized. She has had dogs for a number of years.”
Oliver Saddington, defending Horsford, told the court: “The suffering was unnecessary, and he is prepared to take his punishment for it. He wants to apologise.
“It is clear he is someone with affection in his life. He is a father and a carer.”
Horsford and Pilling were both found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to comply with the duties of a person responsible for an animal to ensure welfare following a trial, which was held in their absence at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
Sentencing the pair, the judge said: “These were prolonged and repeated incidences of neglect with a deliberate disregard for the welfare of the animals.
“It is clear that these animals would have suffered. There are certainly personal issues within your lives which may put the offences into context.
“It is also clear there may be issues with regards to finances in the family home, trying to feed three dogs as well as keeping a roof over your heads.
“I am satisfied that you are not fit and proper persons to own or keep dogs.”
Sentencing | 34-week custodial suspended for one year; 25 days of rehabilitation activity. Horsford was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. £3,392 in costs to be deducted from their benefits. Both were given a a 10-year ban on keeping all animals. Deprivation order on a fourth dog called Bud.
CONVICTED (2022) | Patricia O’Donnell aka Claire O’Donnell, born 29 December 1987, and fiancé Bryan Smith, born 9 November 1982, both of Kennelburn Road, Chapelhall, near Airdrie ML6 8TG – left their pet Labrador to waste away to ‘skin and bones’ and failed to treat their elderly shih-tzu’s serious health conditions.
Animal abusers: In an outrageous decision by the Scottish court neither Smith nor O’Donnell were banned from owning animals and the pair already have a new puppy
O’Donnell and Smith, who are parents, were responsible for two dogs, one of whom was found to be severely emaciated and the other gravely ill when Scottish SPCA workers attended their home in April 2021.
Smith pleaded guilty to failing to provide a nutritionally adequate diet for Romanian rescue dog Luna, who was extremely underweight with her hips, spine and ribs prominently protruding through her skin.. She was extremely timid and cowered when approached.
Romanian rescue Luna was severely emaciated and extremely nervous around people. She quickly put on weight in the SSPCA’s care and went on to be rehomed.
O’Donnell pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment to her elderly dog, Millie. She was suffering from dental disease and her ears were full of tumours. Very sadly, she had to be euthanised to end her extreme suffering.
O’Donnell received a £250 fine, while Smith received a 12-month supervision order and 75 hours unpaid work. Neither owner was banned from keeping animals.
O’Donnell’s elderly shih tzu Millie had to be put to sleep for humane reasons. Her cruel owner had left her to suffer with a variety of ailments
John Chisholm Scottish SPCA chief inspector, said: “We attended the property in April 2021 following complaints to our animal helpline of dog neglect.
“The reports described a Labrador cross type dog at the property who was extremely underweight and would often cower away. The dog was described by one caller as ‘skin and bone’ with their back end protruding.
“O’Donnell explained that her Labrador cross, Luna, was a Romanian rescue and they were working hard to get her to a healthy weight.
“Upon seeing Luna we were immediately concerned as she was severely emaciated, with her hips, spine and ribs prominently protruding.
“O’Donnell claimed that Luna had been seen by a vet and they had been given dietary advice. However, she could not recall any information regarding this. She also changed her story around this multiple times.
“Concern grew for Millie’s welfare and O’Donnell was cautioned.”
Inspector Chisholm continued: “Millie was scruffy in appearance and had areas of matted and tangled fur to her underside and around her ears.
“Concern grew for Millie’s ears and she was given a general anaesthetic in order to examine them fully.
“Once a large volume of thick black wax was removed, the procedure revealed Millie’s ears were full of tumours.
“Veterinary professionals advised her prognosis for recovery was poor, but she could be made comfortable with medication for the time being. She had not been treated for this previously, and was undoubtedly caused suffering.”
Luna following her recovery.
The charity have now hit out at what they consider a lenient punishment for the couple, and have expressed their frustration that the pair were not banned from keeping animals.
Inspector Chisholm added: “Both dogs were taken in to our care and Millie was sadly put to sleep on veterinary advice due to underlying health conditions.
“Luna made a full recovery and has been rehomed to a loving home.
“It is extremely disappointing that considering the amount of suffering that was caused to Millie and Luna, a harsher sentencing was not given.
“O’Donnell and Smith have clearly shown that they were not able to provide their animals with the care they needed, and we would have hoped this to be reflected in a ban on owning or keeping animals.”
Sentencing | O’Donnell received a £250 fine, while Smith received a 12-month supervision order and 75 hours of unpaid work.
CONVICTED (2021) | John Campbell of 75 Auchentibber Court, Blantyre G72 0YF – starved and neglected a dog who had to be put to sleep.
Dog killer John Campbell aka Soup the DJ and his emaciated victim, Rambo
Campbell pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment and a nutritionally adequate diet for his crossbreed rescue dog, Rambo, claiming he had no money for vet bills.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Sian Robertson, said, “On 18 January, 2021 we received a call to our animal helpline about a dog who was ‘skin and bones’ with his rib, spine and hip bones protruding.
2022 image of dog killer John Campbell
“After multiple visits, we finally met Campbell at his property in Blantyre on 26 January. We were advised that Rambo was no longer in the care of Campbell, as he had signed him over in the last few days to the animal charity that he had rehomed him from.
“When Rambo was examined at the veterinary hospital he was found to be in a horrific state, and given a body condition score of one. This is the lowest possible score meaning he was extremely emaciated.
“Campbell had disclosed that Rambo had stopped eating in July 2020, and it is believed that he had gone in to kidney failure as a result.
“He was just 15.6kg, meaning he had lost 14.2kg since he was last weighed at the end of 2018.
“Sadly, due to the extent of his malnutrition and Campbell’s failure to seek veterinary attention Rambo was put to sleep on veterinary advice.
“I could not believe the condition Rambo was in. He is the most emaciated dog I have seen so far in my career and he undoubtedly suffered.
“His rib cage protruded so much that you could count every single rib in his body, and it was an extremely distressing sight that I will never forget.
“It is unimaginable how Campbell could live with Rambo and not think to seek urgent veterinary advice.
Rambo was starved to death by his despicable owner, John Campbell
“This poor dog also had alopecia on his neck, thinning fur on his legs, tail and underside, and severely overgrown nails indicating that he was not walked very often.
“Campbell completely failed his dog, and caused him an unnecessary amount of suffering over a prolonged period of time.”
Sentencing: £1000 fine and three-year ban (expires September 2024).
#MostEvil | Chris McCormick, born c. 1971, of Harrowby Road, Wallasey CH44 8BY – battered his rescue dog to death and dumped his body in a bag in the garden
Evil Chris McCormick subjected rescue dog Charlie to multiple violent attacks, eventually killing him.
Chris McCormick hit the Jack Russell, known as Charlie, over the head and then abandoned his body outside his Birkenhead home.
Police came across the beaten dog when they were at McCormick’s home for a different matter, and called the RSPCA.
McCormick told inspectors during his interview that the dog had bit his hand, so he pushed Charlie off the sofa.
He claimed the dog “seemed fine” afterwards, but the next day found him dead with blood coming from is mouth.
But a post mortem examination revealed Charlie had suffered a blunt force trauma to the head and a further injury afterwards which caused his death.
The animal had a fractured skull and had suffered a brain trauma.
Veterinary surgeon Sean Taylor said Charlie would not have died immediately from the first trauma and said the injuries were consistent with “physical abuse in the home environment”.
Dog killer Chris McCormick with wife Karen Proctor
In a statement he said: “In my opinion the evidence in this case indicates that the dog sustained injury to his head after which he remained conscious and capable of suffering allowing him to swallow the blood that had been caused by that injury.
“This injury was later followed by a further injury to the left side of his head that rendered him unconscious with death following soon after.
Inspector Jenny Bethel, from the RSPCA, said: “During my interview with McCormick he admitted that he had taken on Charlie a year before after taking him from previous owners who beat him. McCormick also admitted to me that he had hit Charlie before.
“It is so sad to think about the suffering Charlie had endured.”
Sentencing: jailed for 16 weeks. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
CONVICTED (2021) | animal sanctuary owner Sandra Jane Kaverneng-Stolp, commonly known as Sandra Stolp, born February 1966, of Alltwen Isaf Farm, Derwen Road, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3AU – banned from keeping equines for 10 years after 130 horses in her care were found malnourished and in poor bodily condition
In November 2019 the RSPCA led an operation to remove 137 horses from the Whispering Willows Equine Rescue Centre in Swansea, Wales. Some of those rescued had been suffering for as long as six months and two had to be put down.
Now the owner of the sanctuary, Sandra Kaverneng-Stolp, has been banned from keeping equines after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to 22 animals in her care.
The horses were found at sites in Alltwen Isaf Farm in Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, Gowerton in Swansea, and Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
Many of the horses were “in poor bodily condition” and photographs showed hips, spine and ribs clearly visible on some of the horses.
Photographs shown to the court showed horses suffering and with their spines, hips and ribs clearly visible
One horse named Saffron appeared lethargic, depressed and in discomfort, with her condition deteriorating. Very sadly it was decided that she should be euthanised to end her suffering.
Despite rehabilitation efforts, another horse was put down nine days after being found lame and reluctant to move.
The court heard Dyffryn Tywi Equine Clinic and Cotts Equine Hospital had engaged with Kaverneng-Stolp in the past but “both experienced frustration” at the “lack of experience and care for vulnerable horses and a reluctance to listen to advice.”
On November 7, 2019, the RSPCA attended the farm in Pontardawe together with a representative from World Horse Welfare where they observed that food and water was present for most of the horses but the stables were “dirty and unclean”.
They saw multiple horses, many thoroughbreds, in very poor bodily condition, many weather-beaten.
There was “unsuitable grazing” available to the horses
Three days later, the same group attended the farm in Gowerton, where they found two stable blocks with 64 horses present in a similar condition. A woman named Grace, standing in for Kaverneng-Stolp, who the court heard was in Blackpool at the time, agreed for the horses to be handed over.
Prosecuting, Jon Tarrant told the court: “There has not been a deliberate act to this offending, but something where she lost control in the circumstances.”
Mr Tarrant described the way horses named Marley and Holly were discovered – in a poor demeanour with bones protruding, ulcerated abrasions and painful cellulitis.
Another horse, Chance, was found to be subdued in demeanour and reluctant to move voluntarily, with severe lymphangitis, crusted serum and thick scabs.
Another, Frankie, was noted to be badly malnourished, subdued, suffering from severe dermatitis and being kept in an environment with poor shelter.
Kaverneng-Stolp was interviewed and admitted that the horses had not been seen daily. Asked for her expertise in keeping horses, she described herself as “no expert, but with general knowledge.”
She ran the rescue centre through some donations, but mainly her own money. She accepted the available amenities were not sufficient for the number of horses present.
Mr Tarrant said: “This is a case of well intentioned but incompetent care. A number of horses had to be euthanised. The aggravating features are that this was a sanctuary, where horses were being held on behalf of owners in cases where they could not be looked after. There is also a case where professional advice was ignored.
“It cost the RSPCA and other charity organisations £130,000 to get these matters resolved, so there is financial implications of this well intended, but incompetent care.”
Mitigating, solicitor John Goodwin said: “Ms Kaverneng-Stolp had a worthy ambition to rescue horses that would have been abandoned and instead give them a good life, but it got completely out of hand.
“She had good intentions to set up Whispering Willows but got out of her depth.
“She was caring for a close friend who was ill with cancer and bequeathed an inheritance.
“She used that money to set up the sanctuary. She wanted to look after horses her whole life. She used all her money and everything is gone now. She is left with nothing but benefits. She has no savings, no capital.
“She rented all the land and her record keeping was chaotic to say the least. She started off with a couple of horses, some of whom were given to her by owners who could not cope, and some whom arrived in a terrible state.
“She has received abuse online with photos posted of her smiling face next to the shark from Jaws. This has had an adverse effect on her.
“She bit off more than she could chew with this whole enterprise which has led her to be in court and face criminal charges.”
Judge Neil Thomas described the case as “highly emotive” where there had been “a failure to give any proper consideration to the animals in Kaverneng-Stolp’s care.”
Speaking after the sentencing, chairman of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), Nic de Brauwere said: “The tragic case of Whispering Willows shows why the regulation of sanctuaries and rescue centres is the next vital step in protecting the welfare of animals in the UK.
“Too many times NEWC members have seen sanctuaries struggle and fail when – at best – they simply take on too many animals without the necessary care knowledge, experience or finances, or – at worst – use it as a means to unscrupulously ask for people’s money while allowing animals in their supposed care to needlessly suffer.
“Just like on this occasion, it results in experienced charities having to join forces to provide emergency care and find new homes for the affected animals – putting additional pressure on their own resources. It is thanks to the strong partnerships formed as part of NEWC that our members were able to offer their expertise and open their doors so quickly to the horses from Whispering Willows, many of which were in a desperate condition, and want to thank everyone involved in helping to give them safe new homes.
“We welcome the result and sentencing which we hope will reinforce the point that rescuing horses carries great responsibilities, and encourage more people to think carefully about who they donate their money to.
“Anyone wishing to support the care of the horses from Whispering Willows can donate to the registered charities who came together to save them.”
Sentencing: 20-week community order with curfew. Ordered to pay £1,000 costs. Disqualified from keeping equine animals for 10 years (expires February 2031).
CONVICTED (2020) | Natalie Kerr, born c. 1960, of Barlow Close, Bury BL9 6WF – allowed dozens of birds at her wildlife hospital to suffer
Sanctuary owner Natalie Kerr was banned from keeping birds for life
Acting on a tip-off, RSPCA officials found various neglected birds at the Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital in Garside Hey Road, Brandlesholme, Bury, including pigeons, corvids, blackbirds, an eagle owl, swans and geese in aviaries around the grounds.
In total 211 birds were found on the premises – and 145 were found to be in such as state they had to be put to sleep.
Charity bosses say many of the birds could not fly and were visibly injured or in poor condition.
Broken wings, blindness and open wounds were just some of the injuries found when RSPCA inspectors and police raided Natalie Kerr’s wildlife sanctuary in July 2019.
The court heard a wooden building – which was used as the hospital unit – also contained more birds in what a vet described as in a “very poor state”.
RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley, who led the investigation, said that due to the number of birds which needed to be assessed, a mobile unit from the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital had to be sent to the site.
In a court statement RSPCA chief inspector Ben Strangwood added: “The aviaries were all looking tired and contained a lot of bird faeces and cobwebs.
“Some of the birds appeared unable to fly and were largely ground-dwelling, resulting in their feathers being a mess.
“Some birds had food and water and some didn’t. Some cages were very dirty with faeces. There were lots of flies and the smell was unpleasant.
“There were birds in there with head tilts, bandages/tape on wings, open wounds, glassy eyes indicating blindness, drooping wings, feathers in very poor condition.
Many birds had chronic or severe injuries or disease, which could not be treated without further compromising their welfare, or were unsuitable for release into the wild, or for permanent captivity.”
Emma added: “Many birds had chronic or severe injuries or disease, which could not be treated without further compromising their welfare, or were unsuitable for release into the wild, or for permanent captivity.
“One pigeon had a deformed beak which meant it was unable to feed himself and he was emaciated – the notes indicated he had been named Beaky by the hospital.
“Another duck was found with two broken wings which the hospital had named Wingie. There was also a pigeon with an open wound you could see his heart. It was so sad and a vet decided that many had to be put to sleep to end their suffering.”
Some of the birds were saved though and one blind European Eagle has been rehomed with a specialist keeper and is said to be thriving.
In October 2020 sanctuary manager Natalie Kerr pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two identified birds and failing to ensure others received adequate care.
Sentencing: four-month curfew; £1,000 court costs. Banned from keeping birds for life.
CONVICTED (2020) | Tamara J Lloyd, born October 1969, of Chapelry Farm, Langrick Road, Lincoln LN4 4XH – failed to meet the needs of dozens of animals living in squalor at her sanctuary
Following an RSPCA prosecution, Tamara Lloyd of The Alternative Animal Sanctuary was found guilty of 16 offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
More than 70 cats, 14 pigs, along with dogs, horses and terrapins were among the animals kept in ‘appalling conditions’ at the sanctuary.
The offences came to light after the RSPCA executed two separate warrants in May 2019 and January 2020.
Lloyd was filmed for a TV documentary shortly before the first raid, with footage showing the chaotic home and outdoor pens overrun by animals. Before the raid she spoke on the Channel 5 programme called ‘The Woman with 106 Dogs’, which aired in June 2020.
During the first warrant, 14 Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs were found housed in an area dirty with faeces and urine accumulation and cluttered with debris and hazards.
Seventy cats did not have a suitable environment in which to live. They were surrounded by urine, faeces and ammonia and some had no access to a suitable diet and fresh drinking water
Two cats were found to have suffered failing to seek appropriate veterinary care to explore and address painful ear infections.
Five more cats were found to be suffering with chronic dental disease that not been treated.
A boar had a severely in-grown tusk. This had penetrated through his face and into the oral cavity.
Three dogs were found with untreated infected wounds on their bodies. Another dog, named Flo, had a ligature injury to her leg – again this had not been treated
One dog had matted fur, heavily contaminated with mud, faeces and plant matter. This took two hours to remove while under a general anaesthetic.
Following the first warrant , the RSPCA served Lloyd with several improvement notices. The charity attempted to work with her over several months to reduce the number of animals on the site and to improve the welfare of those remaining. While initially cooperative, Lloyd went on to acquire more animals.
After further welfare concerns and complaints, another raid was carried out in January 2020. The RSPCA confirmed that one dog was found dead and another was put to sleep by the owner’s vet.
Witnesses described the conditions on site as ‘appalling’. Dead rats were found in the animals’ accommodation along with overflowing litter trays, stagnant dirty water and hazardous objects.
Eleven dogs were found inside the main living quarters of the house, which was described as uncomfortably warm with a strong smell of ammonia and pools of urine on the floor. There was heavy faecal and urine soiling throughout the downstairs with dirty bedding, empty food containers, a lack of sufficient water, and hazards such as general clutter, rubbish and exposed nails.
A three-legged dog was found in a dark kennel with little ventilation, which was soiled with faeces and urine.
Lloyd also did not take reasonable steps in all the circumstances to meet the needs of seven cats for a suitable environment in which to live.
Seven cats were kept in a poorly ventilated area littered with the bodies of dead rats. Again there were overflowing litter trays, and faeces and urine over the floor. The area was cluttered and hazardous. .
Two pigs had not been provided with a suitable diet including access to drinking water or a suitable environment in which to live.
The adult Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs were found to be obese and living in an area where faeces and urine had accumulated as well as debris and hazards, and dead rats, one of which was being chewed by the pigs. There was no provision of clean drinking water for the pigs and the feed for them was not suitable as was evidenced by their obese state.
Ten terrapins were found in an environment detrimental to their health and well-being. A vet noted that “slime and sludge covered the surface of the stagnant water, dead maggots were seen in excessive numbers floating on and under the water” The vet described the smell from the water and building as “putrid” and said that all had suffered for some considerable time due to their squalid environment, and were severely immuno-suppressed.
Vets deemed the animals to be suffering with obvious signs of disease and ill health and the animals were removed.
In his verdict, District Judge Peter Veits said:
“I find that [Lloyd] started with good intentions and clearly believed in the sanctity of life for her animals, but her issue here has been that she simply cannot say no.
“She needed to recognise that as a sole owner of the premises that her capacity to meet the needs of animals was limited. She either needed staff or less animals and by choosing to carry on she has undermined her sole purpose in that her failures have contributed to the suffering of animals.”
Lloyd was convicted of 16 offences and acquitted on one charge.
Sentencing: two-year conditional discharge; costs and victim surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years.Lloyd has lodged an appeal.
CONVICTED (2020) | equine sanctuary owner Ann Michelle Sim, born 26/08/1984, of Shearford Close, Barnstaple EX31 1AG – neglected and starved multiple horses in her care
Ann Sim with a rescued pony
Mother-of-three Ann Sim, who ran North Devon Equine Rescue in Rumsam, near Barnstaple, was given a 10-week suspended jail sentence and banned from keeping horses for 10 years after admitting three cruelty charges.
The RSPCA visited Sim’s so-called sanctuary and found horses so thin their spines and ribs could be seen through the skin.
Conditions were described as ‘chaotic’ with animals living in foul conditions among rubbish and with sparse and inadequate bedding.
Tiggy, Punchy and Bumble at North Devon Rescue Centre
Ponies and horses had overgrown feet and one had to have his eye removed because an infection had not been treated by a vet.
The court heard Sim had set up the centre with the best of intentions five years earlier but had struggled to cope when her personal life fell apart.
Prosecutor Kevin Withy said Sim had been on the radar of the RSPCA for some time before the offences were committed between June and September 2019.
Punchy at North Devon Equine Rescue in Barnstaple
In one of the foul stables inspectors discovered a mare and foal whose ribs and spine were visible due to lack of food. Conditions were filthy with little clean bedding and only ‘a limited amount of water’.
The animals had been suffering for a number of months and there was no control of parasites.
The chestnut mare, Bumble, also had severely overgrown feet and Sim had not called a vet. A Welsh gelding called Tiggy had an infected eye that needed to be removed and a pony, Punchy, was emaciated, anaemic and had overgrown feet.
“Well-intentioned” Sim ignored an RSPCA warning and continued to neglect horses and ponies in her care
Defence barrister Herc Ashworth said the 35-year-old set up the rescue centre to “help abandoned horses back to health” and had “no intention of causing suffering”.
“I accept it was not a deliberate act on your behalf,” the judge added.
All the animals have since been rehomed.
Sentencing: 10-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. Ordered to pay £322 costs. Banned from keeping equines for 10 years.
CONVICTED (2020) |Daniel Christopher Lahey, born 10/04/1991, of Duke Place, Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 6PE* but with links to Wolverhampton – locked a rescue dog in a shed to starve to death
Cruel chef Daniel Lahey left rescue Staffy Rex to starve to death – after locking him in a shed
Callous Daniel Lahey, who has a long list of previous criminal convictions including at least one for domestic violence, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Staffordshire bull terrier Rex.
Lahey had provided a foster home for the dog, after completing a charity’s home checks. But months later charity volunteers discovered Rex’s starved body in a black bag.
The chef told RSPCA investigators that he had not buried the rescue dog because he could not afford a spade.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Lahey took Rex home on December 1, 2018. For the first few months, Lahey sent the charity regular updates, including photographs and videos of Rex’s progress. But the charity was later unable to contact the defendant and then received a call from a relative to collect Rex’s body on April 2, 2010.
Vets discovered that the rescue dog was emaciated – weighing just 12.35 kilograms. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as emaciation.
The vet’s report stated: “There is a strong possibility that he was left without food for a few days. During this time he would be hungry, potentially cold at night as he was confined to a shed, and possibly psychologically distressed as scratch marks were found in the shed along with soiling.”
Lahey told the RSPCA that Rex had struggled to put on weight and that he had left the dog with someone else when he went away for a few weeks last March. He said he returned to find Rex dead.
Following the case, RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: “It is horrendous to think of the suffering which poor Rex went through during the period leading up to his death.
“The vet’s report states he had been left in the shed for a number of days at least as scratch marks could be found near the door as Rex had desperately tried to get out.
“There is never an excuse not to feed a pet or seek veterinary treatment – if people are in need of help there are also plenty of animal charities that can help or in this case the animal rescue centre where Rex had come from would have taken him back.”
A spokesman for Pebbles Legacy, which placed Rex with Lahey, said: “We are so upset about what has happened to Rex and the suffering he must have endured. He was fostered by Lahey so he could have allowed us to take him back at any time if he was struggling but there was no indication of this at all.
“We carried out a number of home checks on Lahey which he passed and he sent us weekly updates, including videos and photographs, showing how well Rex was doing. There was even one of him looking so happy playing in the snow.
“We have no idea why this changed and it was awful to go the property and find a dog who we had cared for dead in such awful circumstances.
“It has been terribly upsetting for all our volunteers.”
Sentencing: ordered to pay a total of £850. Banned from keeping animals for life.
