ANDREW ALLEN AND SIOBHAN BARKER FROM ROOKHOPE SENTENCED OVER NEGLECTED PONY IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

In a case that has drawn significant concern from animal welfare organizations, Andrew Allen and Siobhan Barker, residents of Boltsburn Crescent in Rookhope, near Bishop Auckland, have been found guilty of neglecting a pony named Pluto. The incident, which took place in January 2023, involved the discovery of the pony in a frozen, barren field, suffering from severe neglect and malnutrition.

On January 20, 2023, inspectors from the RSPCA, accompanied by representatives from the charity World Horse Welfare, visited the location after receiving reports of poor animal conditions. They found Pluto, a piebald cob pony, in a dire state, with lice infestation, rain scald, and overgrown hooves. The pony was confined in a small, snow-covered paddock with minimal shelter, and the only available feed was mouldy hay. The water source was frozen, further exacerbating the poor living conditions.

Following the inspection, a veterinarian was called to assess Pluto’s health. The vet’s examination revealed that the pony was severely underweight, with a body condition score of just 1.5 out of 5. Prominent bones were visible across Pluto’s neck, back, and hips, indicating a significant lack of fat reserves. The pony’s coat was thick and covered in lice, and there were signs of rain scald on its back. Blood tests confirmed the presence of anemia, chronic inflammation, low protein levels, and possible muscle disease. Parasitology results identified encysted redworm and tapeworm infections.

The veterinarian stated that Pluto was suffering from malnourishment due to inadequate feeding and a high parasite burden. She also highlighted the psychological impact of being kept in isolation, noting that horses are herd animals and that solitary confinement can cause distress. The evidence suggested that Pluto’s condition was a direct result of neglect by the owners.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the couple, who have four children, had previous dealings with animal welfare authorities. They had been warned about Pluto’s lice infestation and weight issues following a prior veterinary examination. Despite these warnings, the situation had not improved, leading to the current state of neglect.

When the authorities arrived, Barker reportedly arrived at the scene shouting obscenities, and Allen appeared shortly afterward. Both individuals refused to allow further examination of Pluto and even attempted to chase the pony around the field in an effort to prevent it from being caught. Eventually, Pluto was loaded into a horsebox and taken into police custody. The vet who examined Pluto on-site confirmed the severity of the neglect, describing the environment as bare, snow-covered, and lacking proper care.

Following the court proceedings, Pluto was transferred to an RSPCA animal center, where he has since made a good recovery. The charity plans to rehome him, ensuring he receives the proper care he was denied.

Inspector Lucy Green, speaking after the sentencing, expressed her concern: “Pluto’s most basic needs were not being met, and he was in a very poor state of neglect. Despite this, he has a lovely temperament and has integrated well with other ponies in our care. The staff at the animal center are very fond of him. We are grateful for the support from World Horse Welfare, which has been instrumental in this investigation and in securing a brighter future for Pluto.”

In terms of sentencing, Andrew Allen received an 18-month conditional discharge, while Siobhan Barker was given a community order requiring 100 hours of unpaid work. Both were ordered to pay £600 in costs. Additionally, they are banned from keeping any animals for five years, a restriction that will expire in October 2028.