KATHLEEN DAVIDSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN CALDICOT AND MAGOR REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Kathleen Davidson, a resident of Newport Road in Caldicot, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving multiple animals under her care. Born on June 10, 1953, Davidson's neglect and mistreatment of both horses and a dog have brought to light serious concerns about animal welfare in the area.

On Monday, July 2, 2018, Davidson pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The charges detailed her causing unnecessary suffering to a chestnut gelding named Zorro and a chestnut mare called Cassie. The court heard that she failed to address their poor body condition, weight loss, and health issues, neglecting their basic needs such as proper diet and access to fresh drinking water. Additionally, she was found to have caused suffering to a black terrier-type dog named Millie by neglecting her health and failing to provide adequate care.

The case came to light after RSPCA inspector Emma Smith visited Davidson’s property in Magor in December 2017. During her inspection, she discovered 11 horses in deplorable conditions. Despite multiple warning notices issued between December and January, the situation remained unchanged. The inspector reported that the horses were often confined in a barn without food or water, while others roamed outside dangerously close to a hazardous river. Despite offers of assistance and guidance from the RSPCA, Davidson did not improve the animals’ living conditions.

By the end of January, the situation reached a critical point when inspectors, accompanied by a veterinarian, determined that the environment was unsuitable for the horses. The horses were subsequently removed for their safety. Upon examination, Cassie was found to be extremely emaciated, suffering from arthritis, while Zorro was also underweight and had an infected sheath, an area around his genitals. These conditions highlighted the extent of neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animals.

Further concerns arose when a call was made to the RSPCA reporting a dog in poor condition at Davidson’s residence. Officers responded to her address and found Millie, who was also suffering from being underweight, with a skin condition and a urinary infection. Inspector Emma Smith commented on the case, stating, “This was a classic example of someone who had taken on too much and did not have the time or resources to care for their animals properly.”

She added, “It is frustrating as she was given many opportunities to turn things around and to seek help, but she chose not to. We had no choice but to remove the animals for their safety. It was a hazardous situation, especially considering reports that horses had previously drowned in the river.”

Following the removal, the 11 horses and Millie were placed into the RSPCA’s care and are currently recovering well. They will soon be available for rehoming, giving them a chance at a better life. Davidson was sentenced to pay a fine of £832, along with a victim surcharge of £41 and costs amounting to £840. She was also banned from keeping any animals for ten years, a ban that will expire in July 2028.

In a subsequent development in July 2019, Davidson was found to have breached her animal keeping ban. Following a tip-off, the RSPCA discovered two lurcher-type dogs at her home in Caldicot. As a result, her ban was extended by an additional ten years, and she was subjected to a curfew, along with orders to pay further costs and charges totaling £325. This case underscores the ongoing concerns about her ability to care for animals and highlights the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws in the region.