LEE ROBERTS FROM KENDAL FACES JUSTICE OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE CASE IN KENDAL AND UNDERBARROW

Lee Roberts, a resident of Kendal, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, specifically his piebald mare pony named Brenda. The case, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, centered around the severe neglect and health issues that Brenda endured while in Roberts' care. The incident came to light after a concerned member of the public tipped off the RSPCA about the dire condition of the pony, which Roberts had purchased for £200 at the Appleby Horse Fair.

According to reports, Brenda was discovered in a field at Underbarrow, exhibiting signs of extreme neglect. RSPCA inspector William Lamping was dispatched to investigate the complaint and visited Roberts' farm at Greenridge Mill. Upon arrival, he observed Brenda in a state of severe malnutrition and illness. The inspector described her as ‘unresponsive’ and in a condition where her hip bones, spine, and ribs were prominently visible. There was also evidence of diarrhoea staining around her rear, indicating ongoing health issues.

Roberts claimed he was unaware that Brenda was pregnant at the time. He stated that he found the aborted foal later that evening, around 11 pm, covered by leaves and grass in the same field. The court was told that there was no sign of the foetus at the farm when the inspector arrived, which raised questions about the timing and circumstances of the abortion.

Veterinary expert Jane King was called to assess Brenda’s condition. Her examination revealed that Brenda weighed only 188.5kg on September 22, significantly below the ideal weight of approximately 300kg for a healthy mare. Mrs. King also reported that Brenda was suffering from diarrhoea, a potentially life-threatening condition in adult ponies, and was infested with severe lice. Additionally, she passed a large quantity of parasitic worms after being treated with wormer. The expert concluded that Brenda’s deteriorating health was likely the cause of her abortion, which she believed occurred within two days of her passing the foetus.

Contradicting the veterinary assessment, Roberts, who claimed to have owned horses for five years, suggested that the foetus had been dead inside Brenda for about two weeks, which he believed contributed to her illness. Throughout the court proceedings, Roberts maintained that he had not caused Brenda’s suffering and insisted he had done his best to care for her. “I believe the foal died naturally but stayed inside Brenda which made her ill,” he stated. “I’m good with my horses – they’ve all been fine up to now. I feel Brenda was just ill but it was not caused by me.”

The charges against Roberts included causing unnecessary suffering between June 19 and September 19, 2016, due to his failure to administer effective worm treatment. Although he admitted to giving treatment, it was acknowledged that it had been ineffective. He also faced two additional charges related to neglect, specifically failing to investigate and respond appropriately to Brenda’s weight loss and lice infestation in the two weeks prior to the RSPCA intervention.

After deliberation, the court returned guilty verdicts on all charges. Chairman of the bench, Gary Ormondroyd, expressed disappointment in Roberts’ actions, stating, “You may have attempted to protect Brenda from disease but this was ineffective. You should have sought professional veterinary advice, especially given the severity of the illness. You were complacent and misguided in your own capability to deal with sick animals. We are satisfied Brenda was suffering and in pain and it was caused by your failure to treat her.”

As a result of the conviction, a deprivation order was issued, transferring Brenda into the custody of the RSPCA to ensure her ongoing care and recovery. However, the magistrates decided not to impose a ban on Roberts owning animals in the future. He was sentenced to pay a fine of £1,350, along with £1,000 in costs and a £45 victim surcharge, reflecting the court’s condemnation of his neglect and failure to act responsibly in caring for Brenda.