JOHN DECLAN ASHURST-O'SHAUGHNESSY AND LORRAINE ASHURST: HORSE ABUSE IN ATHERTON AND HINDLEY

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, John Declan Ashurst-O’Shaughnessy, a resident of Bolton Road, Atherton, and his mother Lorraine Ashurst, from 113 Cameron Street, Leigh, faced serious legal consequences for their involvement in the mistreatment of three young horses. The offences occurred between January and March 2017 at Barlows Farm, situated on Close Lane in Hindley, Wigan, an area known for its rural landscape and farming community.

Concerns about the welfare of the horses had been raised by local residents and animal welfare advocates. Reports indicated that several horses had been left on the land without proper care, with some animals wandering onto nearby roads, creating hazards for motorists and pedestrians alike. RSPCA inspectors responded to these concerns, leaving notes after their initial visit in February 2017 and planning follow-up inspections to monitor the situation.

During these inspections, inspectors observed that the horses were suffering from various health issues. One of the horses, a Palomino mare, was found to be lame due to laminitis and had a foot abscess, conditions that require prompt veterinary attention. The other horses, which included a chestnut gelding and a grey mare, exhibited injuries such as foot abscesses, laminitis, and osteoarthritis. Despite these evident health problems, the accused failed to provide necessary medical treatment or address their animals' suffering.

Further concerns were raised regarding the horses' overall care, particularly their worming regime. Charity inspectors noted that the animals' conditions had worsened over time, largely because they had not been placed on an adequate parasite control program. The neglect highlighted a clear failure to meet basic animal welfare standards, prompting legal action against the accused.

In court, John Declan Ashurst-O’Shaughnessy was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which required him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £1,085. As part of the court's decision, he was disqualified from keeping any animals for five years; however, this disqualification was later reduced to two years following an appeal. The court also issued a deprivation order for the three ponies, including a foal born to the grey mare, effectively removing them from his custody. Lorraine Ashurst was also summoned to court but failed to appear for her sentencing, leading to a warrant being issued for her arrest.

In July 2018, further legal proceedings confirmed that John Declan Ashurst-O’Shaughnessy’s appeal against his conviction and sentence was dismissed. His original sentence of 150 hours of community service, along with costs and a victim surcharge, was upheld. The disqualification from keeping animals, initially set at five years, was reduced to two, expiring in 2020.

By January 2020, it was reported that Lorraine Ashurst had yet to serve her court punishment, more than two years after her conviction. She was represented by Clive Rees and was scheduled for sentencing on multiple occasions, but she failed to attend court each time. Despite attending court on January 16, 2020, the case was adjourned, and she did not appear again without notifying the court or her solicitor. A warrant was issued for her arrest, and her case remained unresolved for some time.

Finally, in February 2024, Lorraine Ashurst was brought before the court and sentenced for her role in neglecting the three ponies. She had initially pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a trial. Prosecutors from the RSPCA presented evidence that the horses, a Palomino mare, a chestnut gelding, and a grey mare, had sustained injuries that indicated neglect. Inspectors found that she had failed to seek medical treatment to alleviate their suffering and neglected to administer parasitic worm control. Despite multiple scheduled court appearances in 2023, she failed to attend, leading to an arrest warrant being issued. She was subsequently sentenced to ten days of rehabilitation activities, a fine, court costs, and a victim services surcharge totaling £840. Furthermore, she was barred from keeping animals for two years, with the restriction set to expire in February 2026.

This case underscores ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the Atherton and Hindley areas, highlighting the importance of vigilant inspection and enforcement to prevent such neglect and suffering.