DAVID ARFON DAVIES SHOCKS PINSTON WITH CRUELTY TO ANIMALS IN NOTTINGHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pinxton, Nottingham, David Arfon Davies, born around 1959 and residing at Brookhill Hall Farm on Brookhill Lane, was found guilty of severe animal mistreatment in February 2018. Despite denying allegations of causing unnecessary suffering on his farm, Davies failed to appear in court for his trial, which resulted in a conviction at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

The investigation into Davies' farm activities was initiated after a series of distressing discoveries. The case began when Davies attempted to have a horse named Tommy castrated. However, veterinary experts quickly assessed that Tommy was too weak to endure a general anaesthetic, revealing the horse’s poor health. Examination showed that Tommy’s ribs and spine were clearly visible, indicating malnutrition or neglect. Additionally, the horse was infested with lice and had little experience being handled, raising concerns about his overall welfare.

The RSPCA was alerted to the situation and responded promptly to the farm. Inspector Teresa Potter described her findings, noting that a Rottweiler named Modlin was tied to a gate, hunched over a bucket. She observed that the dog’s demeanour was very dull, with all bones visible through its scruffy coat, suggesting severe neglect. Further inspections in a barn revealed two cows lying amidst straw, one of which was a Swiss red cow covered with a rug. The inspector described a horrific wound on the cow’s hip, which was so severe that it appeared to be a result of dragging over a concrete surface. The smell of rotting flesh was overwhelming when the rug was lifted, indicating the extent of the animal’s suffering.

Vet Christine Jamieson examined the cows and reported that both had ulcers the size of dinner plates extending down to the bone. She believed that both animals had been unable to stand since the previous December, which likely caused internal damage. The second cow, a Friesian, was found to be covered with builder’s bags, which began to move as the animal tried to lift its head. Jamieson explained that the cow was attempting to respond to their presence, but its condition was dire. She expressed her belief that the cows had been in this state for months, with internal injuries resulting from prolonged immobility.

When questioned at the farm, Davies reportedly dismissed the severity of the situation, claiming that the cows were still alive and showing little understanding of the inhumane conditions they endured. The inspector and veterinarian expressed their concern that Davies appeared unaware or unconcerned about the cruelty involved in keeping animals in such a state of neglect.

The RSPCA’s prosecutor, Mr. Wright, called for Davies to be banned from owning or keeping any animals for life. The court agreed, imposing a lifetime ban on Davies from livestock ownership. As part of the sentencing, Davies received a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £750 towards the costs incurred by the RSPCA. The two animals that had been rescued, Tommy the horse and Modlin the Rottweiler, were taken into the care of the RSPCA and made full recoveries. Unfortunately, the two severely neglected cows had to be euthanised immediately due to the extent of their injuries and suffering.

This case has brought to light the serious issues of animal cruelty and neglect in the area, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and awareness to prevent such suffering in the future.