MARK AND CAROLYNNE BUSTARD'S CRUELTY IN HECKMONDWIKE: RABBITS LEFT IN FILTH AND NEGLECT

Mark and Carolynne Bustard, residents of Westfield Road in Heckmondwike, became the focus of a serious animal welfare investigation after their neglect of numerous rabbits was brought to light. The couple, born around 1967 and 1966 respectively, faced charges related to the suffering of protected animals, as well as failing to provide a suitable environment for their pets.

Over a period of several months, RSPCA inspectors repeatedly visited the Bustards' property to assess the conditions of their animals. The first visit occurred on October 24, 2017, when an inspector was there primarily to offer veterinary advice for a kitten needing treatment. During this visit, the inspector discovered a distressing scene: a large number of rabbits confined in tiny, filthy outdoor hutches. The conditions were deplorable, with the rabbits having little access to food and water, and their living spaces heavily soiled.

Despite the inspector’s efforts to provide guidance and even offer to rehome the animals, the Bustards refused assistance. They insisted that they cared deeply for their pets, all of which were rescue animals, and claimed to have their best interests at heart. The inspector returned on November 24, 2017, and found that the situation had not improved significantly. Most of the rabbits still lacked proper access to food and water, and while some hutches had been recently cleaned, many remained dirty and unsuitable for the animals.

Further concern arose during a third visit on December 9, 2017. During this inspection, two rabbits were found in extremely poor health. One was emaciated, lethargic, and in a state of severe neglect, while the other had already died, also in an emaciated condition. The police were called to the scene, and the two rabbits were seized. A veterinarian examined the living rabbit and recommended euthanasia due to its dire condition. Tragically, before official approval could be obtained, the rabbit died.

Subsequent inspections revealed some improvements; by December 15, 2017, the hutches had been cleaned. However, the RSPCA had already taken action to remove the majority of the rabbits from the property. All but 14 of the animals were seized and have since been successfully rehomed by the charity. One of the surviving rabbits, named Peter, was found to suffer from severe dental issues caused by neglect, with his teeth digging into his tongue, highlighting the extent of the suffering inflicted.

Prosecutor Peter Davidson emphasized that the two rabbits that died had been in poor condition for at least two weeks prior to their deaths, underscoring the severity of the neglect. The case was brought before Kirklees magistrates, who heard that the couple had initially rescued the animals after they were abandoned or left at local pet shops. Defense attorney Andy Day explained that the Bustards had become overwhelmed by the number of animals they had taken in and that they were not intentionally cruel. He stated, “They haven’t been able to say ‘no’ and have become overwhelmed with the number of animals that have gradually built up. They are not callous or cruel people and have taken care of these animals as best they could. They’re very upset and sorry that this situation has arisen and they now realize that they had far too many animals.”

In sentencing, the magistrates ordered the Bustards to pay costs totaling £320 each and imposed a two-year ban on keeping rabbits, which expired in June 2020. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, even when driven by overwhelmed circumstances rather than malicious intent.