JASMINE BOOTHMAN FROM WIGTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PONY PEPSI AT YEARNGILL FARM

Jasmine Boothman, a resident of Wigton, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty involving a pony named Pepsi. The incident took place at Yearngill Farm, located in Aspatria, within the Wigton area. Born on June 2, 2001, Boothman was found guilty in 2022 of neglecting Pepsi, a pony suffering from poor health and dental issues that had been left untreated for an extended period.

According to court records, Boothman, who is a mother of two children, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Pepsi during a period spanning from September 9, 2020, to March 21, 2021. The court heard that she failed to take appropriate action or investigate the reasons behind the pony’s deteriorating condition, which included significant weight loss and dental problems. Despite her knowledge or reasonable expectation of her responsibilities, she neglected to provide adequate dental care or address the underlying causes of Pepsi’s poor health.

Furthermore, Boothman was charged with neglecting her duty to ensure Pepsi’s needs were properly met. She did not take reasonable steps to provide the necessary care and supervision for the pony, especially leading up to or on March 20, 2021. Although she initially pleaded not guilty, she later admitted to both charges, including the failure to meet the pony’s basic needs and causing unnecessary suffering.

In addition to her admissions, Boothman also breached her bail conditions by failing to surrender to custody as required. Her sentencing included a penalty of 100 hours of unpaid community work, along with costs and charges totaling £595. Importantly, she was also banned from keeping any equines for life, although she retains the right to appeal this ban after five years.

This case has garnered attention in the local area, with the incident being reported by Cumbria Crack, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect by pet owners and caretakers.