CLIFFORD JOHNSON'S HORSE NEGLECT SCANDAL IN AMMANFORD LEADS TO CONVICTION

Clifford Roy Johnson, a resident of Llandeilo Road, Llandybie, Ammanford SA18 3JD, was convicted in 2017 for neglecting his horses, an incident that drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the local community. Johnson, who has been involved in horse ownership for over two decades, faced serious allegations after his horses were found in a state of severe neglect, prompting an investigation by the RSPCA.

In December 2016, RSPCA Inspector Barker visited Johnson’s property, which is situated near Ammanford, after receiving reports from concerned members of the public. The inspection revealed a distressing scene: three horses, all mares, were left in a field that lacked adequate grass and shelter. The animals were suffering from extreme undernourishment, with weight loss estimated at between 20 and 30 percent of their ideal body weight. The horses were also infested with parasites, and their hooves were in such poor condition that they were lame, causing them significant pain and discomfort.

Veterinary examination confirmed the worst fears: the horses were suffering from starvation, and their condition was a direct result of neglect. The vet described the horses’ suffering as evident and diagnosed them with pain and distress caused by their poor health. The conditions of the horses indicated a lack of proper care and attention, with no evidence of adequate feeding, parasite control, or hoof maintenance.

Johnson explained to the court that he had been growing out the horses’ hooves to level them and claimed to observe the animals daily from a distance of 300 meters. He also expressed suspicion that trespassers had poisoned his horses, which he said contributed to his neglectful approach. Johnson stated, “They seemed fine. I would never in my life ill-treat a horse. I was distraught when I saw what had happened to them.” Despite his claims, the evidence presented by the RSPCA painted a different picture.

Following the intervention, the three mares were taken into RSPCA care. Sadly, one of the horses had to be euthanized due to the severity of her condition. However, within six weeks of receiving treatment, the remaining two horses showed significant improvement. They gained 44kg and 67kg respectively, and their hooves were properly tended to, with the parasites effectively treated. This recovery underscored the impact of proper care and the neglect they had previously endured.

Johnson faced multiple charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals by neglecting their basic needs, failing to investigate and address their poor health, neglecting hoof care, and failing to control parasites effectively. The magistrates, presided over by Mr. Parry-Williams, found Johnson guilty of all charges. The magistrate emphasized that Johnson’s neglect had directly caused the suffering of the horses, noting that he had admitted to not inspecting the animals closely for several weeks.

In sentencing, Johnson was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service over the course of a year, pay £835 in court costs and victim surcharge, and was banned from keeping horses for two years, a ban that expired in September 2019. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible animal ownership and the consequences of neglect in the Ammanford area.