NIGEL WARD'S HORSE CRUELTY IN AMMANFORD: SHOCKING CASE OF ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLIGENCE

Nigel Jeremy Nicholas Ward, also known as Jeremy Ward, has been at the center of a disturbing series of animal cruelty cases in and around Ammanford. Born circa 1957, Ward resides at Ceidrim Court Farm on Penygarn Road in Ammanford, with his actions involving the suffering and neglect of multiple horses, some of which tragically died as a result.

In January 2019, concerns about the welfare of three horses in the Mountain Road area of Glanaman prompted investigations. Witnesses and animal welfare inspectors observed that these horses were in a dire state, suffering from severe neglect. RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben described the scene, stating, “It was very clear that these three horses’ needs were not being met. They were in a poor condition and were noticeably thin. The field they were being kept in was totally unsuitable and they were very exposed from the mountain side.”

Subsequent examinations by a specialist veterinarian confirmed the severity of their condition. Despite ongoing care, one of the horses, a tri-coloured mare, was beyond saving and died. The court heard that Ward had admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the horses by neglecting their health and failing to address their poor condition adequately.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the horses had previously foaled, which Ward believed contributed to their decline in health. He justified his decision to keep them in the field, believing it to be sufficient for their needs, and admitted that this was a poor judgment, especially considering the weather conditions. Despite his daily visits to the horses, after two weeks it became evident that their condition was deteriorating rapidly.

Since the incident, Ward has managed to rehome half of the horses that were under his care. However, the court imposed a series of penalties, including a 24-month community order with a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, a fine totaling £607 covering costs, and a deprivation order on one horse. Notably, there was no ban on keeping horses at that time.

Further troubling developments emerged in July 2020, when Ward appeared in court again after a horse named Lily was found suffering from extreme emaciation. Inspector Hogben discovered Lily in a field at the end of Llwyncelyn Road in Glanamman, with ribs, hips, and spine clearly visible, indicating severe malnutrition. Veterinary assessments confirmed that Lily was suffering, and Ward admitted that her condition was a direct result of his failure to address her weight loss. Lily’s suffering spanned from March 12 to August 12, 2019.

In this subsequent case, Ward pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 28-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. The court also imposed a three-year ban on keeping equines, a 35-day rehabilitation order, and ordered him to pay £200 in costs along with a £122 victim surcharge. The repeated nature of these offenses highlights a pattern of neglect and cruelty.

By August 2020, it was reported that Ward had been involved in three separate horse welfare cases within a single year. Tragically, several horses rescued from him had died, including two in RSPCA care due to extreme emaciation. One horse was found with a severe worm burden, but due to his emaciated state, treatment was delayed, and the horse did not survive. Despite these repeated acts of cruelty, Ward received only a three-year ban, which he has attempted to appeal. There are concerns that he may attempt to circumvent his ban by hiding horses or transferring ownership to others, as he was seen at an auction for stables and land approximately 15 miles from his residence.

In addition to his animal cruelty cases, Nigel Jeremy Ward is known to operate as a lurcher puppy farmer under the name Jeremy’s Lurchers & Long Dogs, raising further questions about his involvement in animal welfare issues. The ongoing cases and his apparent disregard for animal suffering continue to raise alarm among local residents and animal welfare advocates in Ammanford and the surrounding areas.