RAYMOND PEARCE OF STOCKTON-ON-TEES CONVICTED OVER HORRIFIC PONY CRUELTY IN NORTON, COUNTY DURHAM

Raymond James Pearce, born around 1981 and residing on Brierville Road in Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0JR, has been convicted in his absence of serious animal cruelty offences involving a pony named Marshall. The incident took place in a green space in Norton, County Durham, where Pearce’s neglect led to the suffering of the defenseless animal.

Marshall, a piebald cob, was discovered covered in dried blood, with a tether embedded two inches deep into his neck. The injury was so severe that veterinary evidence confirmed it had been infected for at least four days, with the wound measuring two inches in depth. The pony was found in a deplorable state, with no visible access to food or water, and grazing land that was insufficient for his needs. The smell of rotting flesh emanating from the animal was so strong that it was immediately apparent to those present that Marshall was in a dire condition.

Seema Ritson, a field officer from World Horse Welfare, responded to reports of the pony’s condition. She described her initial assessment, stating, “As he walked past me I got a really bad smell. It was a smell of rotting flesh I knew straight away there was something wrong. I could see a very thin rope around his neck. I could see straight away there was dried blood and yellow puss. All the mane was matted. The smell was like a dead animal.”

Upon inspecting the scene, Ms. Ritson observed that Marshall was tethered with a narrow rope that had caused the injury by gradually cutting into his neck. She noted the absence of basic necessities such as food and water and confirmed that the grazing land was inadequate for the pony’s sustenance. She promptly reported her findings to the RSPCA.

Later that day, Raymond Pearce arrived at the scene. Witnesses reported that he attempted to forcibly remove the rope from Marshall’s neck. Ms. Ritson intervened, instructing Pearce to stop, as the rope was embedded deeply into the pony’s flesh. She explained that touching the injury without pain relief would cause extreme pain to the animal. Despite her warnings, Pearce persisted in trying to pull the rope out at least three or four times, showing a clear disregard for the animal’s suffering.

RSPCA inspector Steph Baines also confirmed witnessing Pearce’s actions. She stated, “I smelt the pony before I got to him. When the owner first arrived he was quite agitated. He said he was happy for us to get treatment for the horse.”

During police interviews, Pearce claimed he had recently returned from a two-week course in Manchester and had left Marshall in the care of his former brother-in-law. However, this was contradicted by the ex-brother-in-law, who stated that he had last looked after Marshall approximately three years ago and denied any recent involvement. Pearce’s sister also testified that he had not attended any course in Manchester. The defendant did not appear in court for the trial, and his legal representative withdrew from the case.

Despite his absence, the court proceeded with the hearing and found Pearce guilty of four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The charges included neglecting to provide adequate care, using an unsafe tether that caused the embedded wound, failing to seek prompt veterinary treatment, and neglecting the overall needs of the pony.

Marshall is now in the care of the RSPCA and has reportedly made a full recovery. The court sentenced Pearce to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £780 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. Pearce was also banned from owning any animals except birds for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his neglect and cruelty.