LISA DOOLAN'S HORRIFIC PONY NEGLECT IN BUDE: A CASE OF CRUELTY AND FAILURE TO ACT
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Bude Animal Abuser
Lisa Doolan, born on 19 February 1976 and residing at On the Waves, Crooklets, Bude EX23 9NF, was found guilty in 2023 of severe animal welfare violations involving multiple ponies. Her case drew significant attention due to the prolonged neglect and suffering inflicted upon these animals, which were kept in a state of extreme malnutrition and poor living conditions.
Over a period of several months, five ponies under Doolan’s care endured unimaginable hardship. The ponies were kept in a field alongside four others, all located within the Bude area. Despite repeated warnings from authorities and animal welfare organizations, Doolan failed to take any corrective action to improve their condition. The ponies suffered primarily due to a basic lack of appropriate food, which led to their emaciation, and they were also subjected to a cold, damp environment that exacerbated their suffering.
Investigators from the RSPCA visited the site multiple times, during which they observed the dire state of the animals. Four of the ponies were found to be severely underweight, with a fifth also notably thin. Many of the animals had untreated health issues, including parasitic infections, which further compromised their well-being. Despite being advised repeatedly to address their needs, Doolan ignored these warnings, neglecting her responsibilities as their owner.
During the court proceedings, Doolan pleaded guilty to five separate animal welfare offences. She was also visited by an officer from World Horse Welfare, who provided additional advice on proper care and management of the ponies. The animals were found to be in a critical state, with no adequate shelter or grazing available. Their survival was only possible due to the intervention of a third party, who visited the site daily to feed them and prevent their complete deterioration.
The inspection revealed that the ground was heavily waterlogged, creating an unsuitable environment for the ponies. Over the course of two months, from October to December 2022, inspectors noted a clear decline in the animals’ health and condition. The ponies were not rugged, and their living conditions were deplorable, with the animals kept in a state of neglect that could have easily resulted in their deaths if not for external intervention.
Ultimately, all nine ponies involved in the case were signed over to the RSPCA for their protection. The court heard that the ponies’ suffering was evident from veterinary reports and photographs, which showed the extent of their distress and neglect. The judge, Simon Carr, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Those who take on the responsibility of animals take on an enormous responsibility and burden. They are responsible for the care and feeding for the animals and whatever else is going on, that never moves.”
He further remarked, “You had nine ponies under your care. I have read the vet’s reports and seen photographs, and it would have been obvious that these animals were suffering terribly. The conditions they were kept in were appalling, and they were simply not being fed. Most of them would have died if they were left there. This was not a momentary failure. It was months of neglect of animals who suffered terribly as a result of what you did.”
Feleena Grosvenor, representing Doolan, expressed her client’s remorse, stating, “She has shown genuine remorse and is horrified at the vet’s report. His circumstances at the time of the offending were devastating.” Grosvenor also explained that Doolan was experiencing personal hardships, including her stepfather’s battle with cancer, the recent passing of another family member, marital difficulties, and struggles with her mental health during the period of neglect.
In sentencing, the court imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with costs amounting to £9,173.78. Doolan was also banned from keeping any equines for a period of five years, with the ban set to expire in November 2028. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting those who depend on human care.
Over a period of several months, five ponies under Doolan’s care endured unimaginable hardship. The ponies were kept in a field alongside four others, all located within the Bude area. Despite repeated warnings from authorities and animal welfare organizations, Doolan failed to take any corrective action to improve their condition. The ponies suffered primarily due to a basic lack of appropriate food, which led to their emaciation, and they were also subjected to a cold, damp environment that exacerbated their suffering.
Investigators from the RSPCA visited the site multiple times, during which they observed the dire state of the animals. Four of the ponies were found to be severely underweight, with a fifth also notably thin. Many of the animals had untreated health issues, including parasitic infections, which further compromised their well-being. Despite being advised repeatedly to address their needs, Doolan ignored these warnings, neglecting her responsibilities as their owner.
During the court proceedings, Doolan pleaded guilty to five separate animal welfare offences. She was also visited by an officer from World Horse Welfare, who provided additional advice on proper care and management of the ponies. The animals were found to be in a critical state, with no adequate shelter or grazing available. Their survival was only possible due to the intervention of a third party, who visited the site daily to feed them and prevent their complete deterioration.
The inspection revealed that the ground was heavily waterlogged, creating an unsuitable environment for the ponies. Over the course of two months, from October to December 2022, inspectors noted a clear decline in the animals’ health and condition. The ponies were not rugged, and their living conditions were deplorable, with the animals kept in a state of neglect that could have easily resulted in their deaths if not for external intervention.
Ultimately, all nine ponies involved in the case were signed over to the RSPCA for their protection. The court heard that the ponies’ suffering was evident from veterinary reports and photographs, which showed the extent of their distress and neglect. The judge, Simon Carr, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Those who take on the responsibility of animals take on an enormous responsibility and burden. They are responsible for the care and feeding for the animals and whatever else is going on, that never moves.”
He further remarked, “You had nine ponies under your care. I have read the vet’s reports and seen photographs, and it would have been obvious that these animals were suffering terribly. The conditions they were kept in were appalling, and they were simply not being fed. Most of them would have died if they were left there. This was not a momentary failure. It was months of neglect of animals who suffered terribly as a result of what you did.”
Feleena Grosvenor, representing Doolan, expressed her client’s remorse, stating, “She has shown genuine remorse and is horrified at the vet’s report. His circumstances at the time of the offending were devastating.” Grosvenor also explained that Doolan was experiencing personal hardships, including her stepfather’s battle with cancer, the recent passing of another family member, marital difficulties, and struggles with her mental health during the period of neglect.
In sentencing, the court imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with costs amounting to £9,173.78. Doolan was also banned from keeping any equines for a period of five years, with the ban set to expire in November 2028. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting those who depend on human care.