JUDY SHAW'S HORRIFIC PONY NEGLECT IN CHESTERFIELD REVEALED

Judy Shaw, a resident of Chesterfield, was brought before the magistrates at Chesterfield magistrates’ court to answer serious allegations concerning the neglect and mistreatment of her ponies. The case centered around her care for two particular ponies, Larry and Daisy, which were found in a deplorable state of health, raising alarm among members of the public and animal welfare authorities alike.

According to court reports, Shaw kept a total of seven ponies in a paddock located on Sheffield Road, Dronfield, not far from Chesterfield. It was during a routine observation that concerned members of the public noticed the dire condition of two of her ponies, Larry and Daisy, prompting them to alert the police and animal welfare officials. The inspection revealed a disturbing picture: Larry was severely underweight, with ribs protruding visibly through his skin, and was crawling with lice. His condition was so grave that he resembled a Jersey cow, and he moved with slow, labored steps, clearly suffering from neglect.

Inspector Michael Darling of the RSPCA described Larry’s condition as “pitiful,” emphasizing that he was in a state of extreme emaciation. The inspector noted that Larry was infested with lice, with eggs visibly laid on his body. Daisy, while not as severely affected as Larry, was also underweight, with her ribs prominently visible. She was described as being in poor condition, though not as critical as Larry. The veterinary assessment confirmed that both ponies were suffering from neglect, with Larry being described as “unbelievably emaciated,” a condition rarely seen in a living pony.

Following the discovery, the RSPCA called in veterinary surgeon Christine Jamieson to assess the ponies’ health. She confirmed that Larry was crawling with lice and was in a “very disturbing” state. Both ponies were removed from Shaw’s care for treatment and further investigation. The veterinary expert explained that Shaw had been treating the ponies for Strangles, a respiratory condition, and had been feeding them supplements. However, she pointed out that such respiratory illnesses can cause horses to lose their appetite, which might have contributed to their poor condition.

During the court proceedings, Shaw denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting her ponies’ needs. She also denied failing to provide a suitable diet and neglecting to protect the animals from suffering or disease between June and August 2017. Despite her claims, the court found her guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Larry and Daisy by neglecting to seek veterinary advice and failing to address their health issues adequately. She was also convicted of failing to protect Larry from lice. However, Shaw was acquitted of the charge of failing to provide a suitable diet for her ponies.

Following the verdict, RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe commented on the case, stating, “The horses were in a very bad condition at the time we were called out, and the vet who treated them said that, in the case of Larry, they had never seen a horse so thin to survive. He couldn’t stand up; he was so weak.” She added that since being in RSPCA care, both ponies had shown remarkable improvement and were now in full health. Despite the severity of their neglect, the court did not impose a ban on Shaw keeping animals, nor was she ordered to give up her ponies. The ponies are set to return to her care.

In terms of sentencing, Shaw, who relies on benefits, was fined £500. She was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £750 and a victim surcharge of £30. No disqualification order was issued, meaning she remains legally permitted to keep animals, including her ponies. However, her history of neglect was further highlighted in May 2021 when she appeared again before the courts, facing charges related to the neglect of both horses and cats. Her partner, Peter Hardy, was also convicted of cruelty. Both received a community sentence and a ten-year ban on keeping any animals, underscoring the seriousness of their actions and the ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare in their care.