PAUL SIMPSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN STOKE-ON-TRENT LEADS TO SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect that unfolded in Stoke-on-Trent, Paul Simpson, born on May 16, 1958, and residing at 13 Maple Avenue, Alsager, was found guilty of severe animal welfare violations involving his horses. The incident came to light after a concerned member of the public reported seeing a horse lying motionless in a field off Mere Lake Road, in the area of Talke Pits, Stoke-on-Trent.

Upon investigation, RSPCA inspectors discovered two horses suffering from extreme neglect. The animals, a bay mare named Polly and a grey mare called Biscuit, were found in a deplorable state—emaciated, covered in lice, and deprived of basic necessities such as food and water. The horses' condition was so dire that one of them, Biscuit, had to be euthanized due to her severe health issues.

Simpson had been responsible for these animals between November 1 and November 28, 2017. During this period, he failed to take any action to address their worsening health or to seek veterinary assistance. The neglect was compounded by his decision to keep Polly, who was lame, on wet, muddy ground, which likely exacerbated her suffering. Despite the evident signs of distress, Simpson did not investigate the causes of their poor physical condition or provide necessary medical treatment.

Veterinary assessments revealed that both horses were suffering from significant health issues. Polly had a swollen knee resulting from an untreated injury, and Biscuit was found to have a massive bone abscess on one of her front hooves. The vet noted pus oozing from every hoof of Biscuit, indicating a severe infection that caused her extreme pain and lameness. Both horses had extremely low body scores—Polly was rated at just 0.5 out of five, and Biscuit at only one—highlighting their emaciated state.

Charlotte Melvin, an RSPCA inspector involved in the case, described the horses' condition: “Both horses had rugs on them but I could still see every bone sticking out. I attended with World Horse Welfare, a vet, and the police, and we were all immediately concerned. Both horses had a really depressed demeanour and were just standing there not moving.”

Following the veterinary examination, the decision was made to euthanize Biscuit due to her unbearable suffering, while Polly was taken into the care of World Horse Welfare for rehabilitation. The case underscored the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare enforcement.

In court, Paul Simpson pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act. His sentencing included a 10-week prison term, which was suspended for 18 months, along with a two-week curfew. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £250 and a victim surcharge of £115. As part of the penalties, Simpson was banned from keeping horses for five years, a ban that expired in November 2023.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with animal ownership and the consequences of neglecting those duties in the Stoke-on-Trent area.