BEN NEILL AND LEAH BROWN HORROR IN NORTH DEVON: HORSES LEFT TO DIE IN MUDDY FIELD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community in North Devon, authorities have brought to justice two individuals, Benjamin Neill and Leah Brown, for their gross neglect and cruelty towards a group of horses and ponies found in a deplorable state. The investigation was initiated after a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA's national call centre in March 2021, reporting a horse lying collapsed in a muddy field near Landkey, close to Barnstaple.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Ryder was dispatched to the scene and described the heartbreaking sight she encountered. The horse, a chestnut gelding named Eddy, was in an extremely dire condition. She recounted that Eddy was unable to lift his head from the muddy ground where he was lying, and he was clearly suffering. Her detailed witness statement highlighted the severity of his condition: “His hip bones were protruding and you could clearly see his spine and ribs. The horse was lying in deep wet mud. You could clearly see where he was trying to get up as there was a build-up of wet mud around the horse’s head, neck and back.”

Further veterinary assessment confirmed the worst fears. The attending vet described Eddy’s state as catastrophic, noting that he had been down for a significant period. Despite efforts, it was deemed necessary to euthanise Eddy on welfare grounds to end his suffering, as he was unable to stand or recover.

In addition to Eddy, three other ponies were discovered in the same field, which was characterized by its muddy terrain, limited grazing, and lack of adequate shelter. The ponies, a bay gelding named Tye, a mare called Darcy, and another bay gelding named Dorcas, were found in similarly poor condition. The only water source available was a stream running along the bottom of a steep bank in the corner of their enclosure, which was insufficient for their needs.

Tye was in particularly poor shape, suffering from severe overgrown hooves, a low body condition, and lameness in his front feet. He exhibited a rocking gait, indicating pain and suffering. The vet concluded that Tye was suffering, and that Darcy and Dorcas were also likely to be in distress if not already suffering. All three ponies were seized by the RSPCA and transported to a veterinary facility for comprehensive assessment.

The veterinary examinations revealed that all three ponies were infested with lice, had parasites, and their teeth required urgent attention due to sharp enamel points. They all needed sedation to facilitate hoof trimming and further treatment. The evidence presented in court painted a grim picture of neglect and failure to seek timely veterinary intervention. The vet testified that Eddy’s extensive weight loss and suffering could have been prevented if help had been sought earlier. The conclusion was clear: “Regardless of cause, veterinary intervention should have been sought for Eddy when faced with such extensive weight loss. Suffering unquestionably could have been prevented had they sought advice sooner. I have no doubt that Eddy and Tye were suffering unreasonably and unnecessarily and that this suffering had been present for at least a month.”

During the court proceedings, Benjamin Neill claimed that Eddy had been “jumping and bouncing around that morning,” seemingly dismissing the severity of the situation. However, magistrates were unimpressed with his lack of remorse. They pointed out the horrific condition of Eddy, who had a ruptured eyeball, was hypothermic, emaciated, and unable to access food or water. The court highlighted that Neill had been aware of the animals’ suffering, having seen them daily, and had failed to seek help despite previous warnings and advice from the RSPCA.

Tragically, Dorcas was later euthanised due to the discovery of untreatable tumours. Tye and Darcy were rehomed and are now under the care of the Hugs Foundation, an equine rescue charity based in Bodmin, Cornwall. The charity provides therapeutic interventions for various groups, including children, veterans, and the elderly, aiming to improve health and well-being through animal-assisted activities. Darcy now enjoys being brushed and led by visiting children, while Tye is currently on loan as part of the charity’s foster scheme, thriving in a loving environment.

The magistrates expressed their gratitude to the RSPCA for their diligent work in bringing this case to court. They described the case as “the most harrowing they have had to deal with in this court.”

Sentencing for Benjamin Neill was set at 24 weeks of immediate custody, along with a lifetime disqualification from keeping equines, which he can appeal after ten years. His partner, Leah Marie Brown, was previously sentenced in November 2021 for causing unnecessary suffering to Tye and neglecting the needs of Tye, Darcy, and Dorcas. She received a ten-year ban on keeping equines, a six-month curfew, and was ordered to pay £400 in costs. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the neglect and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in North Devon.