DAVE AND SUE BOXALL'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN POOLE AND DORSET
In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, David Charles Boxall, born on May 7, 1960, and his wife Susan M.Boxall, born on January 28, 1955, residents of 2 Turbary Close, Parkstone, Poole BH12 4HD, were found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to their animals, including two alpacas and a horse, on their smallholding in Dorset.
During a series of inspections carried out by the RSPCA earlier in 2021, inspectors visited the Boxalls' property in Lytchett Matravers, Dorset, where they discovered the dire state of their animals.
The alpacas, named Leo and Reggie, were severely underweight, with Leo having already died from what was believed to be septicaemia or pneumonia, conditions that could have been prevented had the owners sought veterinary assistance.
Reggie was later euthanized due to the severity of his condition.
The RSPCA inspector reported that Leo's remains were emaciated, and the animal's body showed signs of prolonged neglect.
The alpacas' coats were long, matted, and unkempt, with nails overgrown and twisted, indicating a lack of proper grooming and care.
The inspector also noted that the couple refused to call a veterinarian despite the animals' deteriorating health, which contributed to their tragic deaths.
In addition to the alpacas, the inspector found a horse named Eddie suffering from neglect.
Matthew Knight, representing the RSPCA in court, detailed the horse's poor condition, stating that Eddie was severely underweight, had poor dental health, and was experiencing difficulty eating.
Mr.
Boxall claimed that Eddie was simply old and had lost muscle due to lack of exercise, dismissing the need for veterinary treatment.
However, the inspector pointed out that the degree of weight loss and poor condition indicated a serious health issue that required professional intervention.
Mr.
Knight emphasized that the horse's condition, along with the alpacas' suffering, was entirely preventable with proper care, nutrition, and timely veterinary treatment.
The court heard that the alpacas' deaths could have been avoided if appropriate worming and health checks had been carried out.
Despite these clear signs of neglect, Mr.
Boxall insisted that he had kept horses for 50 years and alpacas for seven years and disagreed with the inspectors' assessment, claiming the horse's condition was due to old age.
Both defendants denied any wrongdoing but were ultimately found guilty of eight charges each, relating to causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and neglecting their duty of care.
The magistrates acknowledged that the case was serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence but decided to suspend the prison term after hearing that the couple cared for their disabled son.
The court sentenced each to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered them to pay a total of £1,406 in costs.
Additionally, they were disqualified from owning horses and alpacas for five years, with the ban set to expire in December 2026.
This case highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of responsible animal ownership, especially in rural areas like Poole and Dorset, where such cases can often go unnoticed until the damage is severe.
