ANGELA AND MALCOLM WOOD OF GOMERSAL SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT NEAR CLECKHEATON
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Gomersal Animal Abuser
Angela Wood and her husband Malcolm Wood, residents of Popeley Farm Cottage on Muffit Lane in Gomersal, near Cleckheaton, faced serious charges after their involvement in the neglect of multiple donkeys and miniature Shetland ponies. The case came to light following a series of inspections and interventions by animal welfare organizations, revealing the extent of the animals' suffering at their property.
Both Angela and Malcolm Wood appeared before Kirklees Magistrates Court in Huddersfield to answer for their actions under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They each pleaded guilty to several charges related to the neglect and poor living conditions of the animals. Malcolm Wood admitted to two offences under Section 9, which concerned the poor body condition and inadequate stabling of three Shetland ponies, with these incidents occurring in June 2016. However, five other charges concerning the welfare of five donkeys were dropped during the proceedings.
Angela Wood, on her part, pleaded guilty to one offence under Section 4, which involved the extremely poor state of the donkeys’ hooves. She also admitted to three offences under Section 9, relating to the inadequate environment, poor body condition, and lack of worm control for both the ponies and donkeys. These offences spanned from January 2016 to June 2016, highlighting a prolonged period of neglect.
Concerns about the animals' welfare were initially raised after advice from the World Horse Welfare organization. Following this, the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary were called to the property in June 2016 due to concerns over the health and safety of four miniature Shetland ponies. During the inspection, it was discovered that there were also five donkeys suffering from severe neglect. The animals' conditions were so dire that some could not even walk due to overgrown hooves. Veterinary assessments confirmed that the donkeys and ponies were in a state of extreme distress, with some suffering from malnutrition and heavy worm infestations.
In response, a team comprising representatives from the World Horse Welfare, The Donkey Sanctuary, and the RSPCA intervened to rescue the animals. The team removed the five donkeys and four ponies from the property, providing them with urgent veterinary care. Inspector Samantha Weston from the RSPCA described the scene as shocking, particularly noting the length of the donkeys’ hooves and their poor overall health. She recounted that one donkey was in such a poor condition that it had to be dug out of its stable because the accumulated filth and faeces had made it impossible to lead the animal out.
Fortunately, the animals have since been placed in the care of the Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare, where they are receiving proper treatment and rehabilitation. Inspector Weston expressed relief that the animals are now in a better environment, stating, “The state of the poor ponies was awful, but to then make the discovery of the donkeys was shocking – their hooves were some of the longest I’ve ever seen. One was in very poor body condition and several were riddled with worms. Another donkey had to be dug out of his stable because the combination of filthy bedding and faeces had built up so much he couldn’t even be led out of the door.”
In sentencing, both Angela and Malcolm Wood received a six-month community order. They were also ordered to pay costs and charges amounting to £185 each. Additionally, the court imposed an indefinite ban on both individuals owning any equines in the future, effectively preventing them from keeping horses, donkeys, or ponies again. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, and The Donkey Sanctuary to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse.
Both Angela and Malcolm Wood appeared before Kirklees Magistrates Court in Huddersfield to answer for their actions under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They each pleaded guilty to several charges related to the neglect and poor living conditions of the animals. Malcolm Wood admitted to two offences under Section 9, which concerned the poor body condition and inadequate stabling of three Shetland ponies, with these incidents occurring in June 2016. However, five other charges concerning the welfare of five donkeys were dropped during the proceedings.
Angela Wood, on her part, pleaded guilty to one offence under Section 4, which involved the extremely poor state of the donkeys’ hooves. She also admitted to three offences under Section 9, relating to the inadequate environment, poor body condition, and lack of worm control for both the ponies and donkeys. These offences spanned from January 2016 to June 2016, highlighting a prolonged period of neglect.
Concerns about the animals' welfare were initially raised after advice from the World Horse Welfare organization. Following this, the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary were called to the property in June 2016 due to concerns over the health and safety of four miniature Shetland ponies. During the inspection, it was discovered that there were also five donkeys suffering from severe neglect. The animals' conditions were so dire that some could not even walk due to overgrown hooves. Veterinary assessments confirmed that the donkeys and ponies were in a state of extreme distress, with some suffering from malnutrition and heavy worm infestations.
In response, a team comprising representatives from the World Horse Welfare, The Donkey Sanctuary, and the RSPCA intervened to rescue the animals. The team removed the five donkeys and four ponies from the property, providing them with urgent veterinary care. Inspector Samantha Weston from the RSPCA described the scene as shocking, particularly noting the length of the donkeys’ hooves and their poor overall health. She recounted that one donkey was in such a poor condition that it had to be dug out of its stable because the accumulated filth and faeces had made it impossible to lead the animal out.
Fortunately, the animals have since been placed in the care of the Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare, where they are receiving proper treatment and rehabilitation. Inspector Weston expressed relief that the animals are now in a better environment, stating, “The state of the poor ponies was awful, but to then make the discovery of the donkeys was shocking – their hooves were some of the longest I’ve ever seen. One was in very poor body condition and several were riddled with worms. Another donkey had to be dug out of his stable because the combination of filthy bedding and faeces had built up so much he couldn’t even be led out of the door.”
In sentencing, both Angela and Malcolm Wood received a six-month community order. They were also ordered to pay costs and charges amounting to £185 each. Additionally, the court imposed an indefinite ban on both individuals owning any equines in the future, effectively preventing them from keeping horses, donkeys, or ponies again. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, and The Donkey Sanctuary to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse.