When RSPCA officers have been known as to Aroha Donkeys, close to Beverley in East Yorkshire, they discovered an elderly pony, Melody, and a pregnant donkey, Maggie, affected by neglect.
Sarah Nethercoat, 34, and Alan Riley, 53, each of Park Avenue, Beverley, have been prosecuted by the RSPCA and each confronted sentencing in Hull Crown Court on Monday (Mar 11).
The courtroom heard an RSPCA officer inspected the sanctuary in November 2021 after experiences of the residing situations and the well being of the animals of their care.
It was stated donkeys, ponies, and horses were kept in cramped spaces with hazards such as sharp edges and damaged fencing.
Charges were brought against the pair after the severe condition of two particular animals – Melody and Maggie.
Melody, an elderly pony, was found extremely thin, weak, and lethargic, suffering from profuse watery diarrhoea.
Multiple wounds on Melody’s body, some bleeding and inflamed, were reportedly left untreated for weeks to months.
The veterinary examination concluded that Melody had severe chronic atrophy, stomach ulceration, dental problems, and other health issues, ultimately leading to the difficult decision of euthanasia.
Maggie, a 15-year-old donkey, also faced significant health challenges.
Lame on both hind legs, with overgrown and deformed hooves, Maggie suffered from osteoarthritis, likely caused by prolonged abnormal gait.
Pregnant and not receiving adequate pain relief, Maggie’s condition raised concerns about her well-being.
Veterinary interventions, including x-rays and pain relief, were deemed necessary for her recovery.
Nethercoat and Riley both pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals.
However, the court recognised the neglect was primarily a result of external factors, including the defendants’ health problems and challenges in maintaining the sanctuary.
Nethercote received a six-month suspended prison sentence for each of the two counts, while Riley received a concurrent three-month suspended sentence.
The judge acknowledged their dedication to animal welfare, as evidenced by numerous testimonials, and considered their mental and physical health challenges when deciding on the sentences.
While the court imposed disqualification orders on both defendants, preventing them from keeping donkeys, mules, equines, and equine hybrids for ten years.
The pair will have the opportunity to apply for a reduction or termination of the disqualification after five years.
Riley, a former farmer, and Nethercoat, who worked as a riding instructor, were well-known in the area as their donkeys, many of which were rescue animals, took part in events such as the Beverley Christmas Festival.
In 2021 they were given sudden notice to leave a smallholding between Beverley and Driffield they had been renting from a farmer and appealed for the public’s assist in discovering a brand new home.
