ELIZABETH PALMER'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN CLYNDERWEN LEADS TO SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE AND SEIZURE ORDER

Elizabeth Palmer, born on August 10, 1944, and residing at the Retreat Animal Sanctuary in Llethr Uchaf, Mynachlogddu, Clynderwen SA66 7SA, has been convicted of severe neglect involving multiple donkeys and a pony. The court found her guilty of failing to provide basic care for these animals over an extended period, which resulted in the tragic euthanasia of three of them.

Palmer faced two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, with the court hearing that between September 2023 and March 2024, she neglected her responsibilities to ensure her animals received necessary farrier and dental treatments. This neglect caused significant suffering among the animals, with many suffering from overgrown hooves, lice, dermatitis, and poor overall health. The investigation into her smallholding was initiated by the RSPCA, which uncovered the extent of the neglect and abuse.

According to a witness statement provided to the court, an RSPCA inspector was called to Palmer’s property in the Crymych area after a Donkey Welfare Adviser from The Donkey Sanctuary requested assistance. The inspector described the scene as distressing, noting that all of the donkeys on the property were in dire condition. The animals had overgrown hooves that caused unnecessary pain, and they were suffering from lice and dermatitis. Their poor body condition was also evident, indicating a lack of proper nutrition and care.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the case was the condition of a pony, which was suffering so severely that the veterinarian involved recommended euthanasia on welfare grounds. Palmer signed the necessary consent forms, and the animals were transferred to the RSPCA’s care. Eight of the rescued donkeys—Angel, Coco, Jack, Jane, Jenny, Toffee, Rosie, and Paris—are now safely housed at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon, where they have been settling in well and receiving proper treatment.

Unfortunately, two of the donkeys had to be euthanised due to their poor health, and another was deemed unfit to travel, so it remains at a different facility operated by the charity, where it can receive the specialized care it needs. The remaining donkeys are now in good health and are thriving under the care of the sanctuary staff.

During the court proceedings, magistrates described Palmer’s actions as “so serious” that they imposed a custodial sentence, although it was suspended. The court also authorized the RSPCA to seize any animals still in her possession. Palmer was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £150, along with £400 in court costs and over £3,570 towards the RSPCA’s prosecution expenses. Additionally, she was disqualified from owning, keeping, or dealing with any animals—except for dogs and cats—for a period of 10 years. She has the right to appeal after five years, with the disqualification set to expire in December 2034.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse, especially in rural areas like Clynderwen and Crymych.