STEPHEN FANSTONE PONTS PONTYBEREM HORSE CRUELTY CASE IN CARMARTHENSHIRE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Stephen Antony Fanstone, a resident of Heol Aneddfa in Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, was found responsible for subjecting three horses to prolonged periods of cruelty and neglect, ultimately leading to the animals' euthanasia. The incident came to light in April 2022 when the RSPCA conducted an inspection at Parcnewydd Farm, located near Pontyberem, following a report from the charity World Horse Welfare, which expressed grave concerns about the welfare of the horses kept there.

During the inspection, RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben observed the dire condition of the horses. Among them was a chestnut gelding named Muffy and a grey mare called Rosie. Both animals were severely emaciated, with their hips, ribs, and spines prominently visible, indicating extreme malnutrition. Muffy's weight was recorded at a mere 328 kilograms, significantly below the expected weight range of 500 to 600 kilograms for a horse of his breed and age. Rosie, on the other hand, was suffering from an untreated melanoma in her mouth, a condition that had persisted for months or possibly years without intervention.

Another grey mare, Lily, was found to be grossly overweight, with her hooves overgrown to the point where they curled off the ground, resembling what the RSPCA described as “Arabian slippers.” A veterinarian who examined Lily confirmed that her hooves had grown excessively over a period of at least three years, indicating long-term neglect. The vet stated that Lily had been subjected to “neglect and caused unnecessary suffering for many years.”

Stephen Fanstone, the owner of the horses, claimed he was unaware of the animals' deteriorating conditions. He stated he “hadn’t noticed” how badly his horses had become and explained that he attended the farm daily but was unable to get a farrier to tend to their hooves. When questioned about the horses’ health, Fanstone insisted he believed all was well, despite the evident signs of suffering.

Inspector Hogben recounted the moment he explained the horses' condition to Fanstone: “The owner of the horses arrived on site and I explained to him that the animals were in a terrible state. He told me he attended daily and did not notice how poor the horses were and that he had been unable to get a farrier. I explained to him that I thought all of the horses were suffering and that an equine vet was on their way.”

Following a veterinary assessment, it was confirmed that all three horses had been enduring long-term suffering. The vet observed that Muffy exhibited areas of hair loss and crusting, particularly around the neck, inner thighs, and hocks, with lice visibly present in these regions. The signs pointed to at least three months of ongoing suffering, if not longer. Rosie’s coat was in poor condition across her entire body, with clear indications of malnutrition and inadequate shelter, and her skin condition had not been treated. Lily’s hooves were severely overgrown, and despite Fanstone’s claims of regular hoof trimming, there was no evidence of recent maintenance.

Due to their critical health states, all three horses were euthanized on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering. Fanstone faced charges related to animal welfare violations and was sentenced to an 18-week prison term, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he received a five-year ban on keeping any animals, which will remain in effect until October 2027. He was also ordered to pay costs and surcharges totaling £528, and to complete a 20-hour Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Inspector Hogben expressed his disappointment and frustration over the case: “It would have been obvious to anyone attending to these horses that they all needed urgent veterinary treatment, and if this had been administered sooner, they may still have been alive today. The neglect of these animals was shocking, yet their owner thought there was nothing wrong with them when concerns were first raised with him. I’d like to thank World Horse Welfare officer Tony Evans for his assistance with this investigation and his ongoing work to support equine welfare across the region.”