KERRY AND JESS PUGH AND OLIVER FAIRY LEDBURY HORSE CRUELTY CASE REVEALS HORRIFIC NEGLECT

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, Jessica Paige Pugh, born on December 8, 2002, of Arlingham Place, Worcester WR5 2SZ, along with her mother Kerry Ruth Pugh, born on March 17, 1980, of Brook Cottage, Bosbury, Ledbury HR8 1PX, and Oliver Daelan Fairy, born on December 31, 2002, of Tanhouse Lane, Malvern, faced serious charges related to the severe starvation and neglect of two horses. The case, which has garnered significant attention, highlights the tragic conditions these animals endured under their care.

On March 22, 2023, RSPCA inspector Suzanne Smith responded to a distress call concerning the welfare of horses kept at a stable in Ledbury. The charity’s investigation uncovered appalling conditions, with two horses, named Autumn and Totti, found in a state of extreme emaciation. The horses’ physical conditions pointed to neglect, likely caused by high worm burdens and inadequate nutrition, which had gone unchecked for a prolonged period.

Inspector Smith’s detailed account describes Autumn, a chestnut mare, as being in a dire state despite wearing a rug. She observed that the horse was extremely gaunt, with her ribs and bones clearly visible, and her body condition was so poor that she resembled a coat hanger. The stable was found to be in a deplorable state, with no food or water available, no bedding, and a layer of feces covering the floor. The owner of the stables was identified as Jess Pugh and Oliver Fairy.

Fairy explained to the inspector that Autumn belonged to Jess Pugh and that he had consulted a veterinarian the previous night due to the horse experiencing ‘choke’. However, he was uncertain about any prior veterinary visits. Upon entering the stable, Inspector Smith removed the horse’s rug and confirmed her emaciated condition. The mare’s bones were exposed, with a visible thigh gap, and her rib cage was fully prominent, with a shelf-like protrusion along her spine. Recognizing the urgent need for nourishment, the inspector arranged for some hay and filled the small bucket in the stable, which was previously empty.

A veterinarian later examined Autumn and described her as the thinnest horse he had ever seen. His assessment placed her body condition at just 0.5 out of five, indicating severe malnutrition. The vet also noted strong evidence of parasitism, which likely contributed to her poor health. The investigation revealed that Kerry Pugh had signed a transfer of ownership form for Autumn, claiming herself as the owner, with the horse’s passport registered in her name.

Further inquiries led inspectors to Totti, a grey mare who had been on loan to Fairy but was removed by her owner on March 17. The owner was contacted and requested to have Totti examined by a vet. Tests confirmed that Totti suffered from an above-normal fecal worm egg count, indicating a high intestinal parasite burden. Blood and fecal tests suggested that her weight loss was severe and had developed over an extended period. The veterinarian explained that her condition was consistent with parasitic infestation, although other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease could not be ruled out. Despite her deteriorating health, Totti was initially in good condition when she arrived at Fairy’s yard, but her health declined dramatically during her time in his care.

Fairy accepted full responsibility for failing to ensure Totti received proper veterinary treatment and adequate nourishment. He claimed that his involvement was limited and that other individuals were responsible for her daily care, but he acknowledged that he bore the ultimate responsibility. The RSPCA’s intervention included a re-feeding program and remedial farriery for Autumn. Although she managed to regain some weight, her lameness persisted, and ultimately, the difficult decision was made to euthanize her.

In sentencing, Fairy was fined £450, with an additional victim surcharge of £180 and ordered to pay £200 in court costs. Kerry and Jess Pugh received fines of £196 each, along with a victim surcharge of £78 and £200 in costs. All three individuals were disqualified from keeping any horses or other equines for a period of seven years, a ban that will expire in February 2031.

Additional revelations emerged in October 2023, when Kerry and Jess Pugh loaned a cob named Lizzie. Upon arrival at the loanee’s yard, Lizzie was described as overweight, with a severely matted mane and tail. The loanee reported having to cut her mane due to the mats, and she was covered in scabs and dirt. Extensive veterinary and farrier work was required to restore her health, costing thousands of pounds. The loanee also criticized the poor quality of the saddle provided, which caused her pain, and detailed the ongoing expenses for her care, including vaccinations, microchipping, and new tack.

The Pughs claimed to have sold Lizzie in October 2023, but she remains on loan, and the loanee has offered to purchase her for £2,000. However, the Pughs have demanded £5,000 for her. There are also concerns that Kerry Pugh might transfer ownership of her horses to her boyfriend, Craig Cross, who reportedly is terrified of horses, raising suspicions that this could be an attempt to circumvent the court’s disqualification order. The loanee expressed her strong desire to keep Lizzie, describing her as a “sweet horse” who is now receiving the love and care she deserves, and is happily living with two other horses under her supervision.