2009: KIDDERMINSTER MAN JAILED AFTER DONKEYS COME CLOSE TO DEATH SCRAPS APPEAL
A man imprisoned for nearly causing the death of his two donkeys has chosen not to appeal his conviction in court.Michael Kelly, 47, of The Lea near Sutton Park Road in Kidderminster, received a 20-week custodial sentence from local magistrates after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to animals on four occasions.
He was also issued a five-year ban from owning any animals.
Kelly had intended to challenge this sentence at Worcester Crown Court; however, his legal representative, Gary Harper, noted that the RSPCA might seek an extended ban.
Kelly is expected to be released early on December 18.
During the court hearing, RSPCA prosecutor Gaynor Sutton explained that the donkeys, which had been treated and brought back to health, were taken to the Bransby House of Rest for Horses, situated in Stoke Prior near Leominster.
The magistrate, Judge Amjad Nawaz, ordered Kelly to pay £400 in costs to the sanctuary.
Kelly refused to hand over the animals to the charitable organization caring for them.
The RSPCA, now holding ownership of the donkeys through the magistrates, will seek new owners for them.
Concerns about the animals' welfare had been raised in 2008 by employees of the World Horse Welfare charity, who noted the donkeys lacked adequate grass and nutritional supplements during winter months.
Despite warnings, Kelly did not act on the advice, leading to the RSPCA intervening in January.
Veterinary examinations confirmed the donkeys were emaciated and close to death.
Kelly, who works as an engineer, claimed his sister was looking after the animals.
His lawyer, Mr Harper, mentioned that Kelly was suffering from financial difficulties due to the recession, with debts totaling approximately £52,000.
After the court session, Mrs Sutton stated that had Kelly appealed, the RSPCA could have requested a lifelong ban on him owning animals, but they chose not to pursue this option.
