NAOMI KNAPP FROM KNOWLE AND BRISTOL CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY IN CONGRESBURY AND STRUGGLES AS ROGUE LANDLORD

Naomi Rachel Knapp, a resident of Wingfield Road in Knowle, Bristol, with connections to the village of Congresbury in Somerset, was convicted in 2020 for acts of cruelty towards a Shetland pony. Born in April 1960, Knapp’s involvement in this case has brought her under significant legal scrutiny.

Knapp, who is also known for her role as a founder and director of a Christian homeless charity based in Bristol, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a Shetland pony gelding at Moor View Farm in Congresbury. The incident took place sometime between January 22 and February 14, 2020. The specific details of the cruelty inflicted or the ultimate fate of the pony were not publicly disclosed, but the court found her actions to be in violation of animal welfare laws.

As a result of her conviction, Naomi Knapp was sentenced to a community order, a form of punishment that involves supervision and possibly community service. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping any equines for a period of five years, a ban that is set to expire in July 2025. This prohibition aims to prevent her from engaging in any future activities involving the care or custody of horses or similar animals.

Further reports from Bristol Post in August 2022 revealed that Knapp’s legal troubles extended beyond animal cruelty. She was also involved in issues related to property management. Bristol Live reported that Knapp, who owns a portfolio of 34 rental properties in Bristol, was barred from letting any properties due to substandard living conditions experienced by her tenants. The case was brought forward by Bristol City Council’s Private Housing Team, which found that she repeatedly failed to meet essential health and safety standards required by law.

Knapp pleaded guilty to multiple offences related to her property management practices and was convicted of eight offences under the Banning Order regulations. As a consequence, she will be listed on the government’s database for rogue landlords, a move designed to protect tenants from landlords who fail to uphold legal standards.

Online commentary on the Bristol Post article included a remark from a reader who recognized Knapp’s name. The commenter alleged that her animal cruelty conviction involved “beating up” the Shetland pony, although this claim remains unconfirmed and was not part of the official court record. The case highlights a pattern of legal issues surrounding Naomi Knapp, spanning animal welfare and housing standards, and underscores ongoing concerns about her conduct in both areas.