SWINDON PUB OWNER DARREN TURNER NEGLECTS GOATS IN HIS PUB PETTING ZOO
| Red Rose Database
Swindon Animal Abuser
Darren Turner, a publican based in Swindon, was found guilty of neglecting four goats that he kept as part of a small animal display at his pubs. Born on April 3, 1975, Turner owns several establishments in the area, including The Kings at 20 Wood Street, the Clifton in Old Town, and the Fox and Hounds in Wroughton. Despite his ownership of multiple pubs, Turner was not banned from keeping animals following the incident, although he was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to the goats.
Between December 2015 and January 2016, Turner was responsible for the care of four goats kept at his pubs, which he referred to as part of a 'petting zoo.' The animals' welfare came under scrutiny after concerns were raised about their health and condition. The RSPCA, represented by prosecutor Graham Gilbert, revealed that a veterinarian who examined the goats in April 2015 expressed immediate concern regarding their hooves. Although the goats appeared otherwise healthy, their hooves were abnormal, prompting discussions with Turner about their long-term care. The vet advised that the goats' hooves needed regular trimming to prevent deterioration.
In subsequent months, the veterinarian sent Turner a letter outlining the ongoing care requirements, including the possibility of euthanasia if their condition worsened. However, after July 2015, contact with Turner was lost. It was only in October when the vet visited the Fox and Hounds pub that she saw the goats again. She observed that their hooves had significantly deteriorated, and despite leaving a voicemail for Turner, he did not respond.
By January 2016, an RSPCA officer inspecting the goats noted that their gait was abnormal, indicating severe hoof problems. The animals' suffering was deemed so severe that the decision was made to euthanize them. The goats' legs were subsequently removed and examined by an expert, who confirmed that their hooves were severely overgrown, curling up and causing pain. The expert identified pathological fractures and issues with their knees, concluding that the goats were clearly in pain and that their condition was evident to anyone observing them.
During police interviews, Turner admitted he was aware that the goats' hooves required regular trimming. He expressed that his primary concern was to prevent the animals from suffering or being euthanized. Defense lawyer Alex Daymond explained that Turner acquired the goats with pre-existing leg and foot issues and that he never intended to harm them. He also stated that Turner had since employed two full-time staff to care for the animals and had invested approximately £40,000 in their welfare. Due to his commitments running four pubs, Turner claimed he struggled to dedicate time to unpaid animal care work.
Magistrate Patrick Clarkson QC, presiding over the case with two other magistrates, decided not to impose a ban on Turner keeping animals, citing recent inspections that showed no ongoing welfare concerns. Instead, Turner was sentenced to perform 80 hours of unpaid community service. The court emphasized that while he was responsible for neglect, the lack of recent welfare issues meant a ban was unnecessary. The case was reported by the Swindon Advertiser.
Between December 2015 and January 2016, Turner was responsible for the care of four goats kept at his pubs, which he referred to as part of a 'petting zoo.' The animals' welfare came under scrutiny after concerns were raised about their health and condition. The RSPCA, represented by prosecutor Graham Gilbert, revealed that a veterinarian who examined the goats in April 2015 expressed immediate concern regarding their hooves. Although the goats appeared otherwise healthy, their hooves were abnormal, prompting discussions with Turner about their long-term care. The vet advised that the goats' hooves needed regular trimming to prevent deterioration.
In subsequent months, the veterinarian sent Turner a letter outlining the ongoing care requirements, including the possibility of euthanasia if their condition worsened. However, after July 2015, contact with Turner was lost. It was only in October when the vet visited the Fox and Hounds pub that she saw the goats again. She observed that their hooves had significantly deteriorated, and despite leaving a voicemail for Turner, he did not respond.
By January 2016, an RSPCA officer inspecting the goats noted that their gait was abnormal, indicating severe hoof problems. The animals' suffering was deemed so severe that the decision was made to euthanize them. The goats' legs were subsequently removed and examined by an expert, who confirmed that their hooves were severely overgrown, curling up and causing pain. The expert identified pathological fractures and issues with their knees, concluding that the goats were clearly in pain and that their condition was evident to anyone observing them.
During police interviews, Turner admitted he was aware that the goats' hooves required regular trimming. He expressed that his primary concern was to prevent the animals from suffering or being euthanized. Defense lawyer Alex Daymond explained that Turner acquired the goats with pre-existing leg and foot issues and that he never intended to harm them. He also stated that Turner had since employed two full-time staff to care for the animals and had invested approximately £40,000 in their welfare. Due to his commitments running four pubs, Turner claimed he struggled to dedicate time to unpaid animal care work.
Magistrate Patrick Clarkson QC, presiding over the case with two other magistrates, decided not to impose a ban on Turner keeping animals, citing recent inspections that showed no ongoing welfare concerns. Instead, Turner was sentenced to perform 80 hours of unpaid community service. The court emphasized that while he was responsible for neglect, the lack of recent welfare issues meant a ban was unnecessary. The case was reported by the Swindon Advertiser.