KAREN LAURIE-PARRY'S HORRIFIC HORSE NEGLECT IN ABERDARE AND EBBW VALE

Karen Laurie-Parry, also known as Karen Parry, born on October 9, 1958, and residing at Barlae Hill Street in Aberdare with the postcode CF44 6YG, has been convicted of severe animal neglect involving her horses. Over a period of more than nine months, she starved and left two of her horses in deplorable conditions at a stable located in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, a situation that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike.

Parry, a former councillor with Powys County Council who was disqualified from her position, was found to have abandoned her two horses—among a total of fifteen she owned—without providing them with adequate food or water. The horses, aged 10 and 14, were discovered in a state of extreme neglect, living in wet, faeces-covered stables. When police and veterinary professionals arrived at the scene, they found the animals in a distressing condition, with their body scores rated at just 2 out of 9, indicating poor health and significant pain.

One of the horses, named Ryan, was seen wearing a head collar and attempting to eat his own faeces, an act often associated with severe malnutrition and distress. This was observed by a concerned member of the public who promptly contacted various horse charities for assistance. The other horse, McCoy, was found wearing a rug despite the hot summer temperatures, with hooves overgrown and no evidence of clean water available. Both horses appeared nervous and were visibly suffering, with their conditions further confirmed by the Welsh Pony Rescue & Rehoming Charitable Trust, which visited the animals alongside a veterinarian. The vet noted that the horses' heart rates were elevated and that they were in considerable pain, with a high risk of developing fungal infections and abscesses if not treated promptly.

The cost of medical treatment for these two horses alone exceeded £22,440, reflecting the severity of their neglect. At the time of the incident, Parry owned an additional 13 horses and currently cares for four dogs, highlighting her extensive involvement in animal ownership. She has been known in the local equestrian community for many years, having participated in various events and being a familiar figure within the horse world.

During her court appearance, her defense lawyer argued that her actions were influenced by her mental health struggles, financial difficulties, and a recent divorce, suggesting that her neglect was not deliberate cruelty but rather a consequence of her circumstances. The judge, Timothy Petts, acknowledged these factors but emphasized that her neglect was serious and that she was unlikely to reoffend. He stated that her actions were not intentionally malicious but recognized the need for accountability.

As part of her sentencing, Parry received a nine-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a £2,500 fine. She was also ordered to surrender ownership of Ryan and McCoy through a deprivation order. The court did not impose a ban on her owning animals in the future. The case drew significant attention from animal welfare groups, with the founder of Welsh Pony Rescue & Rehoming describing the ordeal faced by the horses as heartbreaking. The charity shared harrowing photos and videos of the horses' recovery process, emphasizing the emotional toll of witnessing such suffering.

In their statement, the charity recounted how they were alerted to the situation during a heatwave in July 2023, leading to police and veterinary intervention. They described the horses as emaciated, completely shut down, and lacking the brightness in their eyes, which was deeply distressing to witness. The charity also noted the presence of dogs, cages, old food bowls, toys, and dark, dismal caged areas at the property. Their recovery journey has been long, but they are now in much better condition.

Despite the positive outcome, the charity faced online abuse, with trolls falsely accusing them of breaking into the property and stealing the horses. The founder recounted an incident where she was physically pushed and threatened by Parry when attempting to recover the horses, which were eventually held for Gwent Police and taken to court. The charity expressed frustration over the online harassment and emphasized the importance of focusing on the case's seriousness rather than false accusations. They concluded by stating that Parry received a relatively light sentence and warned that their paths might cross again, implying ongoing concerns about her future conduct regarding animal welfare.