JOY AND PHILLIPA EDWARDS HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN HOLYWELL

Joy Veronica Edwards, aged 61, and her daughter Phillipa Edwards, aged 26, both residents of Cherrywood, Gwespyr, Holywell CH8 9LT, found themselves at the center of a disturbing animal neglect case that shocked the local community and animal welfare organizations alike.

Authorities uncovered appalling conditions on their smallholding, where the animals were kept in environments described as being comparable to the 18th or 19th century standards of care. The RSPCA, alerted by a council pest controller, responded swiftly to the scene and seized a total of ten horses, three dogs, and fifteen cats from the property. The conditions of the animals and their living environment were so dire that immediate action was deemed necessary to prevent further suffering.

Among the animals that had to be euthanized were a horse named Binka and a dog named Ben, both of whom were found in such poor health that humane euthanasia was the only option. Additionally, two cats were later put down due to their suffering. The horses were discovered in a paddock that was muddy, waterlogged, and more resembling a pond than a proper grazing area. The outbuildings on the property were filthy, with accumulated dirt and debris indicating they had not been cleaned or maintained for a significant period.

Inside the premises, the cats were confined in cages within cluttered rooms, highlighting the neglect and poor living conditions they endured. The investigation revealed that the animals suffered from various health issues, including untreated dental problems, fetlock issues, poor body condition, ulcerated skin, ear mites, and inadequate access to fresh water and proper nutrition.

Joy Edwards admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Binka, a Palamino mare, by neglecting her dental and fetlock health, which worsened her condition. She also acknowledged failing to provide adequate veterinary care for Ben, the collie, who was suffering from poor body condition and skin ulcers. Furthermore, she admitted to neglecting the four cats by not treating ear mites and not ensuring they had a proper diet and access to clean water.

Phillipa Edwards also pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable environment for a Jack Russell terrier-type dog named Raven and causing unnecessary suffering to a horse called Duckie. The court was told that the environment in which these animals were kept was unsuitable and that the defendants appeared to lack both the financial resources and the physical ability to care for their animals properly.

During the proceedings, defense lawyer Bob Vickery explained that Joy Edwards was deeply distressed over the death of one of her horses, which had been shot and left for her to dispose of. He stated that she accepted she should have had the horse euthanized earlier but was reluctant due to her emotional attachment and her long history with the animal. Binka, the mare, had a genetic fetlock problem that affected her mobility, and Edwards had bred her, which complicated her decision-making regarding euthanasia. Vickery also noted that Joy was unaware of Ben’s worsening condition when she was away and that she and her daughter lived in an isolated rural area, making access to veterinary services more difficult.

He further explained that their hardships were exacerbated by one of the harshest winters on record, which prevented them from relocating the animals to other sites. Despite these difficulties, the Edwards family expressed remorse and indicated their willingness to cooperate with the RSPCA. A probation officer highlighted that Joy Edwards disputed the case against her, despite her guilty pleas, and claimed that negative publicity had caused her to lose respect and friends in the community. She emphasized that she did not drink or smoke and that her animals were her primary passion.

Phillipa Edwards was described as leading an isolated life, having been bullied during school and suffering from significant mental health issues. The judge emphasized that society expects proper care and attention for animals and condemned the prolonged neglect that had occurred. The court concluded that the conditions in which the animals were kept were unacceptable and that the neglect was extensive and ongoing.

In sentencing, Joy Edwards received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for one year, along with a requirement for rehabilitation and 120 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £150 in costs and a £115 surcharge. Additionally, she was banned from owning horses, dogs, and cats for eight years. Phillipa Edwards was fined £300, with £150 in costs and a £30 surcharge, and was banned from keeping animals for three years. The court’s decision underscored the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting these responsibilities in Holywell and the surrounding areas.