DEBORAH HUNT HORSE ABUSER FROM COSHAM WATERLOOVILLE AND PORTSMOUTH

Deborah Jane Hunt, a resident of Holbeach Close in Cosham, Portsmouth, was found guilty of severe neglect and mistreatment of two horses, Paddy and Duchess, which were kept in deplorable conditions at the notorious Little Oaks yard located on Frogmore Lane in Waterlooville. The case highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty in the area and underscores the importance of animal welfare enforcement.

Hunt’s neglect was evident through the state of her horses’ living environment. The animals were confined to a stable that was filled with filth, including accumulated faeces and soiled bedding, creating an unsanitary and uncomfortable space for the horses. Despite repeated warnings and advice from the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare organizations, Hunt failed to improve the conditions or provide adequate care for Paddy and Duchess.

One of the most distressing aspects of this case was the condition of Paddy, who was observed eating his own faeces due to extreme hunger and deprivation. This behavior is often a sign of severe neglect and a lack of proper nutrition. Duchess, a bay mare, suffered from severely overgrown hooves that had not been trimmed by a farrier, adding to her physical distress and discomfort. The neglect had not only physical consequences but also mental scars, especially for Duchess, who had never been introduced to other horses or natural grazing, and was still learning what it means to be a horse.

RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward described the case as one of prolonged neglect, emphasizing that the needs of Paddy and Duchess had been completely ignored. She stated, “The horses were in stables, filled with faeces and no clean bedding to give a dry resting area. There was no food available and the only water they had access to was a small amount of very dirty water at the bottom of a bucket. I saw Paddy eating his own faeces and found it very upsetting – it was clear he was desperate for food. Duchess’s hooves were severely overgrown, causing her further distress.”

Fortunately, both horses have since received proper care and are on the path to recovery. While Duchess is now in better health physically, her mental state remains fragile. She continues to struggle with her socialization and understanding of her environment, often standing at the gate, longing to return to her previous, neglected life. The case also revealed Hunt’s connections with serial horse abuser Josh Pedelty, raising concerns about her involvement in broader animal welfare issues.

Hunt was convicted of three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 related to the neglect of Paddy and Duchess. Her sentencing included a 12-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, an eight-week curfew, and a total of £865 in costs and charges. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any equines for five years, with the possibility of appeal after three years, which will expire in May 2024. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare laws and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable animals in the community.