ADAM PATTERSON AND FAY SPANSWICK SHOCK DEVIZES WITH CRUELTY TO SHETLAND PONY
| Red Rose Database
Devizes Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Devizes, two individuals, Adam Neil Patterson and Fay Ellena Spanswick, have been found guilty of subjecting a young Shetland pony to unnecessary suffering through violent and inappropriate training methods. The incident took place between April 13 and April 17, 2020, and was captured on video by a witness who documented the abuse.
Adam Patterson, born around 1997, residing at Margreen Farm on Collingbourne Road in Burbage, Marlborough, and Fay Spanswick, born on June 1, 1998, living at The Dairy on Bath Road in Devizes, were both involved in the mistreatment of the pony, named Fred. The footage, which lasted approximately 100 minutes, showed the pair engaging in aggressive behavior towards the animal while training it in a field off Westcourt Lane, Burbage.
The videos revealed that Patterson and Spanswick used a variety of harsh methods, including kicking and hitting Fred with their hands, as well as inflicting blows with a piece of piping and a riding crop. The footage also depicted them jumping onto the pony and forcibly pinning him to the ground, actions that would have been extremely frightening and distressing for the young animal. Despite the severity of the treatment, Fred, who was only 11 months old at the time, did not sustain any serious injuries. The Shetland pony has since been handed over to the RSPCA for care and protection.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Matthew Knight from the RSPCA emphasized that while the defendants did not intend to cause lasting harm, their use of violent and inappropriate training techniques was unacceptable and constituted cruelty. The court was told that the methods employed would have been very frightening for Fred, causing unnecessary suffering.
Both Patterson and Spanswick pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The court sentenced them to 12 weeks in custody, suspended for 19 months. Additionally, they were ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities. The judge also disqualified both individuals from owning or having contact with any equines for a period of five years, a ban that will expire in May 2026. The defendants have the right to appeal this ruling after two years.
This case has raised serious concerns about animal welfare in the Devizes area, highlighting the importance of strict enforcement of animal cruelty laws and the need for education on humane training methods.
Adam Patterson, born around 1997, residing at Margreen Farm on Collingbourne Road in Burbage, Marlborough, and Fay Spanswick, born on June 1, 1998, living at The Dairy on Bath Road in Devizes, were both involved in the mistreatment of the pony, named Fred. The footage, which lasted approximately 100 minutes, showed the pair engaging in aggressive behavior towards the animal while training it in a field off Westcourt Lane, Burbage.
The videos revealed that Patterson and Spanswick used a variety of harsh methods, including kicking and hitting Fred with their hands, as well as inflicting blows with a piece of piping and a riding crop. The footage also depicted them jumping onto the pony and forcibly pinning him to the ground, actions that would have been extremely frightening and distressing for the young animal. Despite the severity of the treatment, Fred, who was only 11 months old at the time, did not sustain any serious injuries. The Shetland pony has since been handed over to the RSPCA for care and protection.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Matthew Knight from the RSPCA emphasized that while the defendants did not intend to cause lasting harm, their use of violent and inappropriate training techniques was unacceptable and constituted cruelty. The court was told that the methods employed would have been very frightening for Fred, causing unnecessary suffering.
Both Patterson and Spanswick pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The court sentenced them to 12 weeks in custody, suspended for 19 months. Additionally, they were ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities. The judge also disqualified both individuals from owning or having contact with any equines for a period of five years, a ban that will expire in May 2026. The defendants have the right to appeal this ruling after two years.
This case has raised serious concerns about animal welfare in the Devizes area, highlighting the importance of strict enforcement of animal cruelty laws and the need for education on humane training methods.