BENJAMIN MARSHALL FROM SOUTHOWRAM FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER NEGLIGENT TREATMENT OF DONKEYS IN HALIFAX

Benjamin Peter Marshall, born on 23 May 1977 and residing on New Street in Southowram, Halifax, has been found guilty of serious neglect involving two donkeys, Jemimah and Snowball. The case highlights the neglectful conditions in which the animals were kept and the failure of Marshall to provide basic welfare needs, despite advice and warnings from animal welfare organizations.

Marshall admitted to neglecting Jemimah, who was 13 years old, and her four-year-old daughter Snowball. The charges stemmed from his failure to ensure they had access to clean water, a safe and suitable environment, and proper veterinary care. Despite being advised by both the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary, he did not take the necessary steps to address their health issues, which included laminitis, thrush, and dental and hoof problems.

The neglect was particularly evident when inspectors from the RSPCA, led by Inspector Rebecca Goulding, and welfare advisers from The Donkey Sanctuary visited the site. They discovered the donkeys living in a yard filled with broken glass, scrap metal, and other hazardous debris. The area was a waste site cluttered with broken plastic, wood, discarded pallets, and rolls of metal fencing, creating an unsafe environment for the animals.

Among the most concerning findings was a broken trailer with sharp edges and a yard strewn with broken metal and glass, making it impossible for the donkeys to find a safe or comfortable place to rest. The grass cover was sparse, and the forage available was wet, muddy, and contaminated with faeces, further compromising the donkeys’ health.

Although Marshall claimed that the donkeys had access to water in a dustbin, the water level was too low for them to reach. Their shelter was filthy, muddy, and covered in faeces, providing no protection from the elements. Inspector Goulding emphasized that donkeys require shelter at all times, especially from rain, wind, and cold, as their coats are not well-suited to the climate.

Veterinary assessment by Dr Suzanne Green from Greenway Equine Veterinary Services revealed the severity of the animals’ conditions. Jemimah was found to be extremely lame due to laminitis, with an overgrown foot causing her significant pain. Marshall claimed that Jemimah had been like that for ten years and was