HORSE NEGLECT HORROR: KATRINA SULLIVAN AND JAMIE 'JAY' MIDDLETON LEAVE BOGNOR REGIS HORSES TO DIE

In a heartbreaking case of animal neglect, Katrina Sullivan, born around 1982 and residing at Laurel Grove in Bognor Regis, along with Jamie 'Jay' Middleton, born on November 14, 1987, of Felpham Road in Bognor Regis, faced serious legal consequences after their failure to care for two horses, leading to their tragic deaths.

On October 25, 2023, RSPCA officer Rebecca Carter, accompanied by a field officer from the World Horse Welfare charity, visited a paddock located off Brooks Lane in Bognor Regis. Their inspection revealed appalling conditions that had resulted in the suffering and eventual death of the animals. The first animal, an 18-month-old piebald cob filly named Sassy, was found in a stable in a critical state. She was severely emaciated, with her body showing signs of extreme malnutrition, and her tail wound was infested with maggots, indicating a severe neglect and lack of veterinary care.

In a separate stable, the second horse, Apollo, a three-year-old bay Welsh Arab gelding, was discovered in a dire condition. His legs were so swollen that he was unable to stand, and his rear end was covered in diarrhea. His ribs, spine, and hip bones were clearly visible, underscoring the extent of his starvation. Inspector Carter described Sassy’s condition, stating, “Despite wearing two rugs, she was in a very poor bodily state with a thin neck, protruding scapula, and a sunken abdominal area. I could feel her protruding spine, ribs, and pelvis. Her hind limbs had lost all muscle mass, and her tail and rear legs were covered in foul-smelling diarrhea.”

Sullivan claimed she had found Sassy lying in the field four days prior to the visit but was unable to seek veterinary assistance because her regular vet was on holiday. She also stated that other vets refused to attend, citing her inability to pay upfront or pass credit checks. It was revealed that Sullivan’s daughter had left Apollo in her care, unaware of the horse’s deteriorating condition. Interestingly, two other horses in a nearby paddock were found to be in reasonable health, indicating that neglect was specific to Sassy and Apollo.

All four horses were taken into the care of World Horse Welfare. Tragically, Sassy died while the charity officers were still present in the paddock. Despite receiving intensive treatment, Apollo succumbed three days later at a veterinary hospital. Post-mortem examinations revealed that Sassy weighed only 83 kilograms and was suffering from a severe gastrointestinal parasite infection, which contributed to her rapid weight loss. The findings suggested that her condition was exacerbated by a lack of adequate food and neglect.

During court proceedings, Sullivan expressed remorse for her actions, explaining that she had left the animals in the care of her partner, Middleton, who was suffering from mental health issues. It was acknowledged that Middleton had made efforts to care for the horses but was ultimately deemed incompetent. Magistrates condemned both defendants for their “dreadful mistreatment” of the horses but decided to suspend their prison sentences. Sullivan was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, while Middleton received a 14-week suspended sentence for the same period. Both were ordered to pay court costs of £350 and a victim surcharge of £154 each. Additionally, they were banned from keeping any animals for ten years, with the ban set to expire in October 2034.