JOSEPH AND MARINA LOWTHER SHOCK LEEDS WITH CRUEL ANIMAL NEGLECT AT APPLEBY HORSE FAIR

Joseph John Lowther, known as John Lowther, and Marina Lowther, both residents of Leeds, became the focus of a serious animal cruelty investigation following their involvement in a disturbing case of neglect at Appleby Horse Fair. The incident, which took place on 13 August 2021 near Winter’s Farm, uncovered a deplorable situation involving multiple dogs kept in inhumane conditions, sparking outrage among animal welfare advocates and the local community alike.

Authorities, prompted by a report from the RSPCA, responded swiftly to the scene. They discovered a number of dogs confined within a livestock trailer, which was parked in close proximity to the fairgrounds. The conditions inside the trailer were appalling, with five cages housing the animals in a state of severe neglect. The environment was characterized by a strong smell of ammonia and faeces, with very little natural light penetrating the cramped space. The dogs were visibly suffering, some suffering from lice infestations, and others severely underweight.

Inspector Keith Hogben, one of the RSPCA inspectors present, detailed the harrowing scene in his witness statement. He described finding a German Shepherd dog that was so undernourished it struggled to stand upright, confined in a cage with her five puppies. Inside a plastic dog kennel, a border terrier and three puppies were discovered, all suffering from lice infections. The inspector recounted that many dogs were kept in cages with minimal space, and the conditions were so dire that the situation escalated into a confrontation when Joseph Lowther and a young boy attempted to prevent the animals from being removed and transported to safety.

Following the rescue, all the dogs were taken to a veterinary practice in Appleby for examination and treatment. Despite efforts to improve their health, the condition of one of the German Shepherd puppies deteriorated rapidly. Vet Helen Gould, who examined the animals, reported that the puppy died due to a high worm burden, which caused intestinal damage and bacterial infection. She noted that the other puppies, approximately six weeks old, were also suffering from a massive worm infestation and lice, but responded to treatment with antibiotics and parasiticides. Their mother was also treated for lice and worms. Gould emphasized that these health issues could have been prevented if the puppies had been wormed from a young age and treated for lice earlier in their lives.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Rebecca Lowe, present at the veterinary clinic, described the appalling conditions further. She recounted witnessing a puppy attempting to toilet in its crate, only to have worms emerge from its rear end, with no faeces present—just worms. The veterinary team concluded that the dogs had been housed in conditions that failed to meet their basic needs, even if only temporarily during the fair.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that Joseph Lowther had been suffering from poor mental health, which was exacerbated by the recent death of a close relative. Despite this, magistrates found that the evidence demonstrated “extreme suffering and prolonged neglect” inflicted upon the animals. The court also heard that the dogs involved in the case have since been re-homed, providing them with a chance at a better life.

Following the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Will Lamping expressed his distress over the case. He described the scene as upsetting, noting the puppies’ severe infestation with worms and parasites. He recounted that during veterinary examinations, worms were physically seen crawling from the puppies’ rear ends. Tragically, one puppy had to be euthanized due to its condition, but the remaining animals, including their mother, were successfully re-homed. Inspector Lamping highlighted the alarming rise in puppy breeding for commercial sale, often in poor conditions by unscrupulous dealers who neglect basic health and welfare standards. He urged prospective dog owners to seek responsible breeders and to use the RSPCA’s Puppy Contract to ensure the health and safety of their future pets.

In terms of sentencing, Joseph Lowther received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with an eight-week curfew, costs, and charges totaling £213. He was also handed a two-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in May 2024. Marina Lowther was given a 12-month community sentence, including a six-week curfew, with costs and charges amounting to £160. She was not subject to a ban on keeping animals. The case has drawn significant attention to the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the importance of responsible pet ownership in Leeds and beyond.