PAUL DESBRO'S CRUELTY IN BOLTON UPON DEARNE: SHEEP STARVATION AND NEGLECT REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Paul Desbro, born in September 1965 and residing at 58 Hall Broome Gardens in Bolton upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 8AJ, has been found guilty of neglecting multiple sheep on his smallholding. The investigation into his care practices was initiated by the RSPCA after reports emerged of a sheep suffering from a collapsed state.

Animal rescue officer Liz Braidley recounted her visit to Desbro’s property located on Mexborough Road in May 2023. Upon arrival, she observed two sheep that appeared severely underweight and emaciated, with their ribs and bones prominently visible through their thin fleece. A third ewe was found collapsed against the fence, in a state of extreme distress.

The condition of the ewe was particularly alarming; her body was so thin that her bones were clearly discernible beneath her skin. Large patches of her fleece were missing, exposing raw, red, and sore skin that was covered in scabs. The wounds were infested with flies, fly eggs, and maggots, indicating a severe case of flystrike, a condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Ms. Braidley described her distress upon seeing the suffering animal, noting that the ewe was attempting to turn her head to groom herself but was irritated by the relentless landing of flies. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, she immediately contacted her colleagues, the police, and a veterinarian to provide necessary assistance.

During her investigation, Ms. Braidley was approached by a man claiming to be a friend of the sheep’s owner. He explained that they were aware of the flystrike issue and had attempted to clip some of the fleece. However, when asked if they had contacted a vet, the man admitted they had not and stated, “We will have to call the knacker man tomorrow,” indicating a lack of proper veterinary intervention.

Following the investigation, the RSPCA and police located the owner, leading to the seizure of three sheep from the property. Tragically, the severely suffering ewe was euthanized by a veterinarian to alleviate her pain and suffering.

RSPCA inspector Jennie Ronksley described the case as deeply concerning, emphasizing the severity of neglect involved. She highlighted that the neglected sheep was so severely affected by flystrike that her skin was crawling with maggots, underscoring the urgent need for veterinary care.

During the court proceedings, the judge referred to the case as “deeply concerning” and described the photographs and video footage as “disturbing.” In mitigation, it was noted that Desbro had entered an early guilty plea and shared responsibility for the livestock with two friends. It was also acknowledged that he lacked experience in sheep care, which contributed to his ignorance of their welfare needs, rather than any malicious intent. Desbro was characterized as providing “well-meaning but incompetent care” and had no prior convictions.

Sentencing included a 12-month community order, during which he must complete 250 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and costs amounting to £2,000. The court also disqualified him from keeping livestock for ten years, a ban that cannot be appealed for at least five years. Furthermore, a deprivation order was issued for the two remaining sheep and their lambs, removing them from his care.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, highlighting the need for responsible livestock management and veterinary intervention to prevent such suffering in the future.