JAMES AND SARAH BAKER AND DARREN LAKER FROM PAR SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN CORNWALL

In a case that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike, James and Sarah Baker, along with their stable hand Darren Laker, faced justice in connection with one of the most severe instances of animal neglect recorded in Cornwall's history. The trio, all residents of Par, were found guilty of multiple counts of cruelty towards animals under their care at their former equine therapy centre.

Concerns about the welfare of the animals surfaced when a vigilant member of the public noticed the dire conditions in which some of the horses, ponies, donkeys, and a goat were living. These animals appeared emaciated, malnourished, and suffering from neglect, prompting an investigation by the RSPCA. The Bakers operated a now-defunct community interest company called Family Nest Equine Therapy, which previously offered pony parties, riding lessons, and therapeutic services for veterans. Their centre was located near Driving Lane in Par.

Prosecutor Francesca Whebell, representing the RSPCA, detailed the troubling history of the case. She explained that the Bakers had been warned as early as 2020 to improve the living conditions of their animals while they managed their charity in Holsworthy, Devon. However, after selling their land following a dispute with a neighbour, they hastily relocated to Par with dozens of animals, including horses, donkeys, and other livestock.

Inspectors revisited the site in Par in 2022 and found that the situation had not improved. The animals were still suffering from neglect, with some lacking basic necessities such as shade, shelter, and clean hay. Many had no access to water, and some exhibited untreated wounds and lameness that required immediate veterinary attention. Tragically, one horse was discovered dead in a field, while others were found in a state of severe emaciation. The extent of neglect was so severe that several animals had to be transferred to specialized sanctuaries; horses and foals were cared for by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon, and donkeys were rehomed at the Donkey Sanctuary, also in Devon.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that when RSPCA inspectors arrived, the Bakers refused to accept responsibility for the neglect. Instead, they made callous remarks, with the Bakers stating, “when you have livestock you sometimes have dead stock,” showing a blatant disregard for animal welfare. The inspectors described the situation as a complete neglect of duty, with some animals suffering for months without intervention.

Sarah Baker, also known as Sarah Jayne Baker-Ryan or Sarah Ryan, appeared unrepresented in court. She claimed that many of the animals had been “dumped on them” and that their move to Par was driven by owners who no longer wanted their animals. She expressed remorse, stating, “We tried our hardest to get these animals back to health. But we were not given a chance. It was too much hard work for us. I wish I had contacted the RSPCA much sooner.”

Sarah also defended the work of Family Nest Equine Therapy, emphasizing its positive contributions, including providing horse therapy to veterans and children with special needs. She highlighted that the charity had been featured on ITV South West. Despite her remorse, she admitted to feeling exhausted and expressed a desire to distance herself from horses altogether, stating, “I welcome the ban. I’m sad that it has taken this long to get to this point. We’re tired. We don’t want anything to do with horses anymore. We don’t want to go near or ride a horse ever again. The last few years have been hell for us.”

When Judge Simon Carr pointed out that Sarah Baker had shown no remorse, she responded by saying she was “more sorry than I could ever be,” and reiterated her regret for not acting sooner. She expressed her wish to never be responsible for animals again, citing the emotional toll of the ordeal.

The Bakers, who also run SJ’s Coffee House in Eastcliffe Road, Par, told the court they lacked the financial means to pay the substantial costs associated with the case, including the £77,000 needed for animal care and legal fees, as they claimed to have no money.

Judge Carr described the case as one of the worst instances of animal neglect he had encountered. He stated that the animals had likely suffered in agony from wounds and malnutrition, emphasizing that there was no justification for such cruelty. The court sentenced James and Sarah Baker to nine months in prison for each count, with the sentences suspended for two years. Additionally, they were disqualified from owning any animals for life.

Darren Laker received a 12-week prison sentence, also suspended for two years, and was disqualified from owning an equine for ten years. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the neglect and the importance of safeguarding animal welfare in Cornwall and beyond.