ALFIE DOYLE SENTENCED IN MAIDSTONE FOR ANIMAL neglect CASE
| Red Rose Database
Maidstone Animal Abuser
Alfie James Doyle, born July 1990, of Three Sons Gypsy Encampment, Hampstead Lane, Nettlestead, Maidstone ME18 5HN, was involved in an animal welfare case where he kept two severely neglected horses in an unsuitable field. Doyle stated that the piebald cob mares, which he owned, were taken from a fellow member of the traveler community because they were not being properly cared for. However, a court heard that Doyle, who runs Tree Care Anywhere Ltd, failed to provide veterinary treatment for the horses.
One of the mares suffered from reddening and disease in one eye, which ultimately had to be removed. RSPCA inspectors discovered the animals on a rubbish-filled field near St Katherine’s Road, Erith. The site lacked fencing and shelter, and the horses’ manure was not managed properly.
The horses were rescued by the RSPCA, and Doyle was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to two animals. He was also accused of neglecting his duty of care by failing to house the horses suitably and to prevent pain or disease, including neglecting to treat their worm and louse problems.
Doyle admitted to all three charges and appeared in court for sentencing on February 17, 2025. Prosecutor Sophie Read told the court that both horses were underweight, and one had an eye disease. She explained that an RSPCA welfare officer visited the site in Erith near Thamesmead, observing the poor conditions, including the lack of fencing, RSPCA-reported rubbish, limited grazing space, and the horses’ poor body condition.
On March 12, 2024, a veterinarian assessed the horses and confirmed they were suffering. The horses were then handed over to the RSPCA with Doyle’s agreement. An animal expert later examined the mares, estimating one to be about three years old and the other approximately seven.
The younger mare received a body condition score of 0.5 out of 5, with 0 indicating emaciation, and was diagnosed with a skin condition similar to alopecia, along with a diseased right eye. The older mare scored 1 out of 5, had a heavy lice infestation, and both horses required de-worming.
The veterinarian found that the younger horse’s right eye had to be removed, but she added that both are now improving. A notice Doyle received to prevent further suffering was reportedly not seen by him, as he claimed he had not noticed it.
The RSPCA estimated their care costs around £3,194. A probation officer noted that Doyle had obtained the animals from an associate within the traveler community, acknowledging that the transaction may not have been as formal as a commercial deal. Doyle expressed that he intended to help but admitted that the environment was unsuitable and that he failed to act properly. He stated, “I tried to feed and get meds for them but again, it was through an arrangement with an associate in my community.”
When asked if he had anything to say, Doyle explained, “I took them on, on the spur of the moment as I knew they were unwell and had been badly treated and I tried to do the right thing. I made a mistake and I was wrong, but I fed them regularly. I was feeding them outside and I tried to seek medical advice, but it didn’t work out that way. I identified myself [to the RSPCA] straight away as I had nothing to hide. I had only just put them there and I had not seen the note. I’ve had stress and anxiety and if I see an animal suffering from now on I will call the RSPCA.”
Magistrates acknowledged that the offences exceeded the custody threshold but decided to mitigate the punishment because Doyle pleaded guilty early. They ordered the £3,194 spent by the RSPCA to be repaid to the charity from court funds.
The sentencing included a 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 10 sessions of rehabilitation. Doyle was also ordered to pay £400 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge, which is to be paid at £100 monthly. Additionally, Doyle is disqualified from owning animals for five years, until February 2030.
One of the mares suffered from reddening and disease in one eye, which ultimately had to be removed. RSPCA inspectors discovered the animals on a rubbish-filled field near St Katherine’s Road, Erith. The site lacked fencing and shelter, and the horses’ manure was not managed properly.
The horses were rescued by the RSPCA, and Doyle was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to two animals. He was also accused of neglecting his duty of care by failing to house the horses suitably and to prevent pain or disease, including neglecting to treat their worm and louse problems.
Doyle admitted to all three charges and appeared in court for sentencing on February 17, 2025. Prosecutor Sophie Read told the court that both horses were underweight, and one had an eye disease. She explained that an RSPCA welfare officer visited the site in Erith near Thamesmead, observing the poor conditions, including the lack of fencing, RSPCA-reported rubbish, limited grazing space, and the horses’ poor body condition.
On March 12, 2024, a veterinarian assessed the horses and confirmed they were suffering. The horses were then handed over to the RSPCA with Doyle’s agreement. An animal expert later examined the mares, estimating one to be about three years old and the other approximately seven.
The younger mare received a body condition score of 0.5 out of 5, with 0 indicating emaciation, and was diagnosed with a skin condition similar to alopecia, along with a diseased right eye. The older mare scored 1 out of 5, had a heavy lice infestation, and both horses required de-worming.
The veterinarian found that the younger horse’s right eye had to be removed, but she added that both are now improving. A notice Doyle received to prevent further suffering was reportedly not seen by him, as he claimed he had not noticed it.
The RSPCA estimated their care costs around £3,194. A probation officer noted that Doyle had obtained the animals from an associate within the traveler community, acknowledging that the transaction may not have been as formal as a commercial deal. Doyle expressed that he intended to help but admitted that the environment was unsuitable and that he failed to act properly. He stated, “I tried to feed and get meds for them but again, it was through an arrangement with an associate in my community.”
When asked if he had anything to say, Doyle explained, “I took them on, on the spur of the moment as I knew they were unwell and had been badly treated and I tried to do the right thing. I made a mistake and I was wrong, but I fed them regularly. I was feeding them outside and I tried to seek medical advice, but it didn’t work out that way. I identified myself [to the RSPCA] straight away as I had nothing to hide. I had only just put them there and I had not seen the note. I’ve had stress and anxiety and if I see an animal suffering from now on I will call the RSPCA.”
Magistrates acknowledged that the offences exceeded the custody threshold but decided to mitigate the punishment because Doyle pleaded guilty early. They ordered the £3,194 spent by the RSPCA to be repaid to the charity from court funds.
The sentencing included a 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 10 sessions of rehabilitation. Doyle was also ordered to pay £400 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge, which is to be paid at £100 monthly. Additionally, Doyle is disqualified from owning animals for five years, until February 2030.