JOHN PYBUS SENTENCED IN REDCAR FOR HORSE NEGLECT CRIMES

John Jake Pybus, born on 6 February 1963 and residing at Grewgrass Farm, Grewgrass Lane, Marske-by-the-Sea, Redcar TS11 8EB, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting four horses by allowing them to suffer from severe injuries and poor conditions.

Pybus pleaded guilty to five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to horses named Cliff, Dimitri, Jango, and Tizer, involving incidents between July 30 and December 27, 2018.

Distressing photographs taken at Pybus’s farm reveal horses suffering from maggot-infested wounds and fractures so severe that not all could be saved. The RSPCA and the World Horse Welfare organization responded to concerns raised by a member of the public in August 2018, who reported two horses in distress at the property.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Gent described the condition of the horses: “The grey horse, Dimitri, had a wound to his right shoulder that was maggot-infested. The area he was in had very limited grazing, no hay or supplementary food, and the water available to him was green.” He added, “Cliff, a bay, appeared to be very thin, with visible ribs, hips, and spine, and was lethargic with his head hanging low.”

Both horses were seized by police and transferred to the care of World Horse Welfare. It was found that Dimitri had fractured his withers and was subsequently euthanized on veterinary advice. Cliff remains in the charity’s care.

Jango, another horse, was also put to sleep after suffering what the charity described as "unimaginable suffering." Sarah Tucker, a field officer at World Horse Welfare, stated: “Wherever possible, we try to work with owners to resolve issues on-site, but unfortunately, Pybus ignored our advice and guidance. Dimitri urgently needed medical attention for his painful wound, and both horses were in very poor health, despite a barn full of hay being available. Fortunately, we were able to rescue them, give them proper veterinary treatment, and ensure their safety. Dimitri’s fractured withers could not be treated, so a difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him. Cliff, however, is progressing well in our care and will soon be available for rehoming.”

Despite having access to hay, Pybus failed to feed his animals consistently. In December 2018, RSPCA inspectors returned to the farm after reports of further neglect and found a collapsed horse. Chief Inspector Gent recounted: “A chestnut gelding called Jango was found down and gasping for breath upon our arrival. He was extremely thin, with ribs, hips, and spine clearly visible. He had a bandage on his front leg, which, when removed, revealed a foul-smelling, pus-oozing wound. The horse also exhibited numerous patches of red rain scald. Pybus claimed the horse had suddenly become ill, and he was planning to call a vet.” The veterinarian at the scene advised that Jango be euthanized to prevent further suffering.

A five-year-old chestnut gelding named Tizer was also found housed separately. He was similarly emaciated, with visible hips and spine. Both Tizer and two other horses were surrendered to the RSPCA and are currently in care, awaiting rehoming. An additional horse was also signed over at sentencing and is being evaluated.

In court, Pybus received an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a 12-month community order, and was ordered to pay £915 in costs. He was banned from keeping all animals except dogs for ten years, with this ban set to expire in March 2029.

This case was reported by the Northern Echo and Horse & Hound.