SUNDERLAND HORSE ABUSERS LIAN WILSON AND DANIEL MARK JONES BANNED AFTER CRUELTY TO PONY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Sunderland community, Lian Wilson, who has since passed away, and her son Daniel Mark Jones, both residents of Ramillies Road, Red House, Sunderland SR5 5JF, have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a defenseless pony. The incident came to light on July 11, 2016, when concerns about the welfare of a horse at the Downhill Allotments in Sunderland prompted animal welfare authorities to investigate.

Animal collection officers from the RSPCA responded promptly to the reports and arrived at the scene to find a piebald stallion named Milo tethered to the ground with a chain wrapped tightly around his neck. The horse’s head collar was entangled in the chain, and a large, open wound was visible beneath his chin. The officers observed that Milo was tethered with a rope, which had become embedded into the horse’s skin behind his ears and along the top of his neck, indicating prolonged suffering.

According to RSPCA prosecutor Denise Jackman, the condition of Milo was dire. The officers had to use bolt cutters to release the pony from his restraints. During the process, Daniel Mark Jones appeared at the scene, questioning why the authorities were removing his pony. Despite his protests, Milo was taken away for further veterinary examination. The initial assessment revealed that the wounds inflicted on Milo were far more severe than initially apparent, with the vet concluding that the pony had endured unnecessary pain and suffering.

Following the rescue, Wilson contacted the RSPCA on July 14, 2016, claiming that she was a joint owner of Milo alongside her son. The RSPCA visited the property the next day, but both Wilson and Jones refused to sign over ownership of the pony at that time. It was only later that morning that Wilson officially signed Milo over to the charity. During interviews, Wilson claimed she was unaware of the extent of Milo’s injuries, while her son stated that he checked on the horse between his work shifts and changed the tether’s position every ten days. However, the RSPCA inspector highlighted that such tethering should only be a short-term measure, used solely during brief stops on journeys and under close supervision, as per guidelines from Defra.

Both Wilson and Jones admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Milo, acknowledging their neglect. The court, presided over by bench chairman Peter De Vere, reviewed photographic evidence that clearly showed the horse was suffering, although the rest of Milo appeared to be in relatively good condition. The judge emphasized that the suffering was confined to a short period, but the damage inflicted was nonetheless serious.

In sentencing, both Wilson and Jones received fines of £334.50 each. Additionally, they were banned from keeping horses and ponies for a period of five years. The ban could be appealed after one year, with the current ban having expired in February 2022. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable animals in Sunderland.