HARRY DUNN AND FAMILY FROM SEVENOAKS BANNED OVER HORSE CRUELTY AND NEGLECT

The Dunn family, well-known residents of Sevenoaks, faced serious legal consequences after being found guilty of neglecting their horses and keeping them in inhumane conditions. The case, which unfolded over a two-day trial, revealed disturbing details about the treatment of seven horses, including three foals, kept in a field near their family home.

Inspectors uncovered a scene of neglect and poor welfare, with the horses suffering from various health issues. Among the animals were a Shetland pony and her foal, both extremely thin and infested with worms, indicating severe malnutrition and parasitic infestation. A skewbald pony was also found in a weakened state, suffering from a significant worm burden. Two foals exhibited untreated respiratory problems, while a mare and a colt showed signs of poor hoof health and overall emaciation. All these animals were kept in a field that was heavily overgrown with ragwort, a poisonous plant that can be fatal to horses if ingested.

The investigation was initiated after months of diligent work by multiple organizations, including the RSPCA, British Horse Society (BHS), Redwings Horse Sanctuary, and World Horse Welfare. Police from Kent County and Kent Police joined the effort, leading to the removal of the horses in February 2016. During the operation, authorities also discovered an additional 29 horses in the area that had no identified owners and were in serious welfare danger. These horses were taken into custody by the RSPCA, with four transferred to World Horse Welfare for ongoing care.

Harry Dunn, residing at Barnfield Park Caravan Site in Ash, Sevenoaks, was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and keeping them in unsuitable environments. He was sentenced to a one-year ban on keeping horses, along with a £60 victim surcharge, £400 in costs, and a £550 fine. His son, Matthew Dunn, born on August 5, 1989, and also residing at the same address, received similar convictions. He was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and keeping horses in poor conditions, resulting in a two-year ban, a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs, and a £400 fine.

Tommy Tucker Dunn, born June 10, 1986, and identified as Harry Dunn’s nephew, was also convicted of causing unnecessary suffering and welfare offences related to the horses’ environment. He was banned from keeping horses for two years, with a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs, and a £400 fine. Notably, Tommy Dunn has a criminal history that includes convictions for theft, fraud, and horse cruelty, the latter dating back to August 2012 when he was convicted alongside his parents, Tommy Dunn Senior and Shirley Dunn.

Additionally, Christine Chambers, a family friend from Porchester Close, Longfield, Dartford, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and welfare offences linked to the poor conditions of the horses. She received a two-year ban from keeping horses, along with a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs, and a £400 fine. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare neglect within the Dunn family and their associates in the Sevenoaks area, emphasizing the importance of strict enforcement of animal protection laws.