PAUL HUNTER FROM ST ANDREWS QUAY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PONY IN HULL
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St Andrews Quay Animal Abuser
Paul Hunter, a resident of 30 Airlie Street in Hull and known to frequent the St Andrews Quay area, has been convicted of serious animal cruelty charges related to a neglected pony named Sonny. The incident came to light after a concerned member of the public alerted the RSPCA about the condition of the pony, prompting an investigation that uncovered disturbing neglect and inadequate care.
On 13 February 2024, RSPCA Inspector Natalie Hill and Animal Rescue Officer Liz Braidley visited a derelict, rubbish-strewn patch of land near Airlie Street, situated in the St Andrews & Docklands district of Hull. Their inspection revealed a distressing scene: Sonny, the piebald pony, was standing knee-deep in mud, with a makeshift dressing wrapped around his neck. When the officers carefully removed the improvised bandage, they discovered a large, open wound measuring approximately 25 centimeters in length and five centimeters in depth, located at the base of the pony’s neck.
Inspector Hill described the scene, stating, “The pony was covered in a neck-high rug, which obscured his feet due to the thick, soft mud. Through the metal fencing surrounding the area, we observed a makeshift bandage placed under the chest part of the rug. Upon removing the dressing, we found a large, clean-looking but very severe wound at the base of his neck.”
During the visit, Hunter arrived at the scene accompanied by his son, Lewis Hunter. Hunter claimed ownership of Sonny and attempted to justify the injury, asserting that it was caused by a rug. He stated that he had noticed the wound about four to five days prior and had attempted to treat it himself by bathing it in iodine. Hunter insisted that Sonny was well-fed and not suffering, describing the injury as merely a cut, despite the clear evidence of neglect.
Following the discovery, a veterinarian was called to the location. The vet administered pain relief and a tetanus injection to Sonny. Subsequently, a police officer seized the pony, who was then taken to an RSPCA-approved boarding facility for recovery. The veterinarian’s report was damning, indicating that the treatment Hunter provided—using iodine and an antibiotic spray—was insufficient for such a severe wound. The report also highlighted that Sonny was in a dire state of hoof neglect, with overgrown feet and three missing shoes. The vet emphasized that a responsible owner would have sought immediate veterinary attention for such an injury, especially considering the wound’s depth and swelling, which suggested Sonny had been suffering for at least four weeks.
In court, Hunter’s defense argued that he had made efforts to keep the wound clean and free from infection, claiming it was not intentional. It was also revealed that Hunter suffers from physical health issues and depression, which he has been battling since the death of his wife several years earlier. Despite his refusal to relinquish ownership of Sonny, the court imposed a deprivation order, removing the pony from Hunter’s care.
Sonny has since made a good recovery, with the wound healing well under proper veterinary care. The RSPCA plans to rehome him to a suitable new owner. As for Hunter, he was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, he was ordered to pay court costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £114. The court also imposed a five-year ban on Hunter keeping horses, which will expire in January 2030.
On 13 February 2024, RSPCA Inspector Natalie Hill and Animal Rescue Officer Liz Braidley visited a derelict, rubbish-strewn patch of land near Airlie Street, situated in the St Andrews & Docklands district of Hull. Their inspection revealed a distressing scene: Sonny, the piebald pony, was standing knee-deep in mud, with a makeshift dressing wrapped around his neck. When the officers carefully removed the improvised bandage, they discovered a large, open wound measuring approximately 25 centimeters in length and five centimeters in depth, located at the base of the pony’s neck.
Inspector Hill described the scene, stating, “The pony was covered in a neck-high rug, which obscured his feet due to the thick, soft mud. Through the metal fencing surrounding the area, we observed a makeshift bandage placed under the chest part of the rug. Upon removing the dressing, we found a large, clean-looking but very severe wound at the base of his neck.”
During the visit, Hunter arrived at the scene accompanied by his son, Lewis Hunter. Hunter claimed ownership of Sonny and attempted to justify the injury, asserting that it was caused by a rug. He stated that he had noticed the wound about four to five days prior and had attempted to treat it himself by bathing it in iodine. Hunter insisted that Sonny was well-fed and not suffering, describing the injury as merely a cut, despite the clear evidence of neglect.
Following the discovery, a veterinarian was called to the location. The vet administered pain relief and a tetanus injection to Sonny. Subsequently, a police officer seized the pony, who was then taken to an RSPCA-approved boarding facility for recovery. The veterinarian’s report was damning, indicating that the treatment Hunter provided—using iodine and an antibiotic spray—was insufficient for such a severe wound. The report also highlighted that Sonny was in a dire state of hoof neglect, with overgrown feet and three missing shoes. The vet emphasized that a responsible owner would have sought immediate veterinary attention for such an injury, especially considering the wound’s depth and swelling, which suggested Sonny had been suffering for at least four weeks.
In court, Hunter’s defense argued that he had made efforts to keep the wound clean and free from infection, claiming it was not intentional. It was also revealed that Hunter suffers from physical health issues and depression, which he has been battling since the death of his wife several years earlier. Despite his refusal to relinquish ownership of Sonny, the court imposed a deprivation order, removing the pony from Hunter’s care.
Sonny has since made a good recovery, with the wound healing well under proper veterinary care. The RSPCA plans to rehome him to a suitable new owner. As for Hunter, he was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, he was ordered to pay court costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £114. The court also imposed a five-year ban on Hunter keeping horses, which will expire in January 2030.