JOSHUA PEDELTY CONVICTED OF ANIMAL ABUSE IN PORTSMOUTH

Joshua Stephen Pedelty, born on 11 November 1988 and residing at 344 Allaway Avenue, Paulsgrove, Portsmouth PO6 4QT, was convicted of animal neglect following a prosecution by the RSPCA. In 2019, Pedelty was found responsible for abandoning pregnant mares and a stallion on land designated as a 'dumping ground' in the Causeway, off Sussex Road in Petersfield. Although he pleaded not guilty to cruelty charges, he was convicted at Portsmouth Magistrates Court and received a three-year ban from horse ownership, which expired in February 2022, with the ban being suspended for 28 days. In addition, he was fined £1,300 in total for the case.

The horses involved—a black Friesian stallion named Eli and two pregnant bay thoroughbred mares, Sophia and Duchess—were severely underfed, with ribs clearly visible and bodies in a state of emaciation. Both Eli and Sophia suffered from misshapen, overgrown, and broken hooves. Sophia gave birth to a foal, which was stillborn; only her foal, Zazoo, survived. Sadly, Sophia was later euthanized after an independent veterinarian diagnosed her with incurable colic.

All three horses had been left to graze freely on the land, which had become a dumping ground for horses, an area deemed totally unsuitable for their welfare. The horses were rescued following an investigation led by RSPCA deputy chief inspector Sandy Barlow, who worked alongside field officers from World Horse Welfare. Barlow commented, ‘Fly-grazing of horses is a big issue, and can lead to welfare problems. Often the land used for fly-grazing is unsuitable for horses. In this instance the area where they had been left had become a dumping ground for horses, and is totally unsuitable. This case is a reminder that owning horses is a huge responsibility, and owners must ensure their animals' welfare. Keeping horses in good condition and meeting their welfare needs can be difficult if owners move them around without adequate access to grazing, water, and shelter, leading to welfare problems.’

The rescued horses have fully recovered and are set to be rehomed shortly. Pedelty’s sentencing also included a total fine of £1,300, and the three-year ban on keeping horses was suspended for 28 days.

Additional investigations reveal that Pedelty, along with his girlfriend Hannah Outen, maintains approximately 20 horses at a run-down yard in Frogmore Lane, Horndean, Waterlooville. The animals there are reportedly in poor condition, with overgrown and cracked hooves. Pedelty and Outen are also prolific dog breeders, with concerns raised about their priorities regarding animal welfare, which appear to be primarily focused on financial gain. Despite Outen claiming to be an animal lover, a Facebook post from January 2018 suggests otherwise.

Pedelty operates a scrap metal business, and although he is believed to be banned from driving, he reportedly still drives. In March 2020, authorities received a tip-off indicating that Pedelty may still have horses in Titchfield, Hampshire. Further, in April 2022, Pedelty, of Allaway Avenue, Portsmouth, received a 16-week suspended custodial sentence after breaching his prior animal welfare convictions. He was also convicted of causing suffering to a dog by failing to provide adequate veterinary care in October 2019 and for failing to provide a suitable environment for the dogs. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, undertake 22 rehabilitation days, and pay £728 in fines. Additionally, he is prohibited from keeping two of the dogs involved.