SAM DUCKWORTH FROM DITTON FIELDS SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO HORSES IN CAMBRIDGE AND WORCESTERSHIRE

Sam Duckworth, a grand prix dressage rider and horse breeder based at Ditton Fields in Cambridge, has been convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty involving five young horses. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect and a blatant disregard for animal welfare, leading to his immediate imprisonment and a lifetime ban on keeping any animals.

Duckworth, born in July 1980, is the director of Five Star Stud Ltd, located at 589 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8PA. His conviction stems from incidents that occurred between December 2020 and January 2021, during which the five horses were seized by the RSPCA from a site in Wichenford, Worcestershire. The horses included three fillies and two colts, all of which suffered from severe neglect under Duckworth’s care.

Prosecutor Sara Pratt detailed the extent of the neglect, emphasizing that Duckworth failed to investigate or address the poor body condition and weight loss observed in the horses. The animals’ health was compromised due to his neglect in providing proper nutrition, parasite control, and veterinary care. The court heard that Duckworth did not implement an adequate parasite management plan, neglected to provide necessary farriery, and failed to supply a suitable diet, despite clear warnings and professional advice.

During the trial, it was established that Duckworth’s neglect was ongoing from December 2020 through January 2021. The horses were removed from the premises, and tragically, one of the horses died while in RSPCA care after falling ill. The court was told that Duckworth owned one of the horses outright, while the remaining four were entrusted to his care. The severity of the neglect was underscored by the body condition scores, which ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 on a 0-5 scale, indicating extreme emaciation and poor health.

District Judge Ian Strongman highlighted the dismissive attitude Duckworth displayed towards warnings and professional advice. He pointed out that Duckworth ignored veterinary guidance on feeding and worming, and also dismissed concerns raised by the premises’ provider, Melvin Sanders, and part-time employee Lauren Ball. Sanders, who was responsible for caring for the horses, was described as being “put upon” by Duckworth, yet he cared deeply for the animals and did so out of compassion.

Lauren Ball, an experienced employee who worked only an hour daily, often went beyond her duties to care for the horses, ignoring instructions from Duckworth about feeding them. Judge Strongman noted her dedication, stating that without her intervention, the horses could have been in an even worse state. The court acknowledged her efforts in trying to mitigate the neglect.

Throughout the proceedings, the court was told that Duckworth’s attitude was cavalier, bordering on arrogance, as he believed he knew better than the professionals advising him. Prosecutor Pratt emphasized that Duckworth’s behavior suggested a pattern of indifference, which could potentially extend to other animals under his care. She stated that Duckworth claimed to have the financial means to care for the horses but chose not to do so.

In his defense, Duckworth’s lawyer, Stuart Jessop, argued that the neglect was not prolonged and that there was evidence of sufficient hay, bedding, and feed. Jessop also claimed that Duckworth’s limited presence on the premises was due to COVID-19 restrictions, and that his only income was less than £1,000 per month from his parents. However, Judge Strongman dismissed these claims, citing evidence that Duckworth managed a large operation with approximately 100 horses and 60-80 foals bred annually, which he presumably sold.

Regarding ownership, the court found insufficient evidence to dispute Duckworth’s claim that he owned all five horses, leading to a deprivation order for the animals. The judge concluded that the severity of the neglect warranted immediate custodial punishment, and Duckworth was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £68,860, covering the care and seizure expenses.

Furthermore, Duckworth was banned from keeping all animals for life, with the court explicitly stating that this ban could not be reversed for five years. RSPCA inspector and equine officer Suzi Smith expressed her dismay at the case, emphasizing the emotional toll of seeing horses in such poor condition, especially young animals that should have received professional care from the outset.

In conclusion, this case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect by those entrusted with caring for animals. Duckworth’s actions have been met with strict legal penalties, reflecting society’s intolerance for cruelty and neglect towards animals.