ALLAN BRENNAN'S HORSE NEGLECT IN LEIGH LEADS TO JAIL SENTENCE

Allan James Brennan, born on August 6, 1963, and residing on Hulme Road in Leigh, Greater Manchester, faced serious legal consequences after being convicted of neglecting a group of horses under his care. Brennan was held accountable for the welfare of 17 horses that belonged to his partner, Steven Jolley, but failed in his duty to provide them with proper care and living conditions.

The neglect came to light on June 12, 2012, when a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA after observing the horses in a paddock on Nel Pan Lane, Leigh. Upon inspection, RSPCA officials discovered a distressing scene: five stallions confined within stables that lacked basic necessities such as food and water. These horses were found wallowing in up to two feet of their own feces, a clear indication of severe neglect and poor living conditions. The horses' hooves were overgrown, making it difficult for them to walk properly, and one of the animals was so badly affected that it had to be euthanized.

Prosecutor Tony Stock detailed the extent of the neglect, stating, “Of the 17 horses in Mr Brennan’s care, five were in such appalling condition that the RSPCA had to take action. The society inspector found that some of the horses were locked inside stables with no food or water and living in their own faeces. They were emaciated, and one had a blocked abdomen while another suffered from chronic untreated wounds. It took considerable effort and expense to re-home and care for these horses.”

During the court proceedings, Brennan’s defense lawyer, Karen Schofield, acknowledged his responsibility, saying, “Although the horses belonged to Mr Jolley, Mr Brennan did accept responsibility for their welfare and said he was ashamed and disgusted at himself for allowing them to get in such a state. Mr Jolley is terminally ill and currently hospitalized with heart and kidney failure. Mr Brennan experienced a breakdown at the time of these offences and attempted to explain to Mr Jolley that he was struggling to cope with the horses’ care and that they needed to be sold. For many years, these horses had been kept in good health and happiness.”

Following the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Melissa Furey expressed her disappointment and relief, stating, “Horses are beautiful and intelligent creatures, and the conditions in which Allan Brennan kept them were completely inexcusable. I am really pleased with the sentence passed. Thankfully, 16 of the 17 horses were successfully re-homed, and one went on to become a prize-winning show pony.”

As a result of his actions, Brennan was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail and was disqualified from keeping any animals for the rest of his life, a decision that underscores the seriousness of animal neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws in the UK.