BRADLEA CLAY'S CRUELTY IN ST AUSTELL AND DONCASTER: PONY PUNCHED AND RABBITS STARVED

Bradlea Ann Clay, born around 1996 and formerly residing on Landrew Road in St Austell, has been convicted of serious animal welfare violations. Although her last known address was in St Austell, she is now believed to be living in Tickhill, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Her case has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing nature of her actions and the subsequent neglect of multiple animals under her care.

Clay pleaded guilty to three charges related to animal cruelty, which included the abuse of a pony and the neglect of two rabbits. The court proceedings revealed a distressing incident witnessed by a neighbor, who had a clear view from her bathroom window into a nearby field. On that day, she heard loud shouting and looked outside to observe Clay’s daughter riding a pony. The scene quickly turned troubling as Clay was seen shouting at her daughter and the pony, then physically assaulting the animal.

According to reports, Clay punched the pony multiple times and aggressively grabbed its reins. The pony, clearly distressed and reluctant to carry the child, was ducking its head in an attempt to escape the situation. In a further act of cruelty, Clay approached the animal and delivered a kick to its side before punching it on the jaw. The neighbor’s account painted a picture of a reckless and violent attitude towards the animal, which was unable to defend itself.

Following these events, the RSPCA was contacted and responded promptly. When inspectors arrived at the scene, they discovered two rabbits in a deplorable state—severely underweight, living in wet hay, and suffering from a parasitic condition that could have been easily treated if properly cared for. Tragically, both rabbits had to be euthanized due to the severity of their suffering. The official cause of death was attributed to poor diet and unsanitary environmental conditions, highlighting the neglect and cruelty inflicted upon them.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Simon Carr expressed his condemnation of Clay’s actions. He emphasized the responsibilities that come with caring for animals, stating, “Those who choose to take on the responsibility for animals take on an enormous task. They are responsible for making sure they are safe, well fed and properly treated. You failed in all of these tasks.” The judge condemned the physical abuse, describing it as “unforgivable” and indicative of poor character.

Judge Carr also criticized the neglect of the rabbits, noting that they had “just been ignored.” He added, “If you can’t look after animals you take them to a sanctuary, not leave them to die which is what you did.” The court was informed that the pony was now under different care, indicating some intervention had taken place to ensure its well-being.

As part of her sentence, Clay received a four-month prison term, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, she was handed a five-year ban from acquiring new animals, a measure intended to prevent further neglect. She was permitted to retain her pet bulldog, owing to its age, as well as mice and fish. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of her misconduct and the need for accountability in animal welfare cases.

Further comments from the community suggest that Clay’s conviction is merely the tip of the iceberg. A local resident remarked on a Facebook post that she owned a variety of animals, including sheep, cattle, ponies, rabbits, ferrets, chickens, ducks, geese, quail, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. The individual claimed that, with limited income and little knowledge of proper animal husbandry, many of these creatures had died or escaped, suffering from neglect. Another community member criticized her ongoing care of livestock, stating that she left her horses without food or water for days and still owns cattle that are not properly looked after. These comments paint a picture of widespread neglect and a pattern of irresponsible animal ownership, raising concerns about the extent of her actions beyond the court’s findings.