LUKE WARD'S BRUTAL HORSE ATTACK IN BEESTON AND FARNLEY LEEDS
| Red Rose Database
Beeston Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Luke Keith Ward, born on 13 November 1985 and residing at Upper Woodview Terrace, Beeston, Leeds LS11 6JZ, was convicted in 2023 for a series of heinous acts against innocent horses. The savage assault took place at a farm located off Hall Lane in Farnley, Leeds, around mid-July 2022, where Ward carried out a brutal attack on four horses, including a pony, leaving them severely injured and traumatized.
According to reports, Ward's attack was both violent and sadistic. He inflicted deep cuts and slash wounds across the neck and face of the horses, with one pony suffering a slash across her throat and a stab wound in her neck. An elderly pony was found with a shoelace tightly tied around his neck, indicating an attempt at strangulation. The horses were discovered covered in blood, visibly scarred from the attack, and in significant pain. The scene was gruesome, with blood-stained injuries and evidence of a violent assault.
Law enforcement officials recovered a blood-stained knife with an 8-inch blade at the scene. Forensic analysis confirmed that Luke Ward’s DNA was present on the weapon, linking him directly to the attack. At the time of the incident, Ward was known to live opposite the farm, which added to the suspicion and investigation.
Initially, when questioned about his involvement, Ward denied any participation in the attack. However, subsequent forensic evidence and investigation led to his arrest and charges. He faced four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, charges that reflect the severity and cruelty of his actions. During an earlier court appearance, Ward pleaded guilty to these charges, acknowledging his guilt.
At Leeds Crown Court, Judge Simon Phillips KC described Ward’s conduct as 'sadistic' and emphasized the distress caused not only to the animals but also to their owners. The judge highlighted the financial burden placed on the owners, who faced vet bills amounting to hundreds of pounds due to the injuries inflicted on their beloved animals. In response to the incident, the horse yard where the attack occurred increased security measures, including the installation of a CCTV system valued at around £1,000, to prevent future incidents.
PC Rachel Harrison, a member of the Leeds West Patrol Team 3, who led the investigation, expressed her outrage at Ward’s actions. She stated, “Ward targeted these defenceless animals and caused serious injuries to them which left them in significant pain and distress. He has not explained his actions, and we can only assume that he derived some sense of satisfaction from inflicting these injuries on them. As well as the pain and distress caused to the horses, these incidents also caused upset to the owners and understandable concern in the local community.”
During police interviews, Ward denied any involvement, claiming he had grown up with horses and would never harm an animal. Nevertheless, forensic evidence linked him to the scene, leading to his guilty plea. The case has brought a sense of relief to the victims and the wider community, knowing that justice has been served.
In sentencing, Luke Ward was sentenced to 45 months in prison. Additionally, he was banned from keeping or owning any animals for the rest of his life, a measure aimed at preventing any future cruelty. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable creatures from harm.
According to reports, Ward's attack was both violent and sadistic. He inflicted deep cuts and slash wounds across the neck and face of the horses, with one pony suffering a slash across her throat and a stab wound in her neck. An elderly pony was found with a shoelace tightly tied around his neck, indicating an attempt at strangulation. The horses were discovered covered in blood, visibly scarred from the attack, and in significant pain. The scene was gruesome, with blood-stained injuries and evidence of a violent assault.
Law enforcement officials recovered a blood-stained knife with an 8-inch blade at the scene. Forensic analysis confirmed that Luke Ward’s DNA was present on the weapon, linking him directly to the attack. At the time of the incident, Ward was known to live opposite the farm, which added to the suspicion and investigation.
Initially, when questioned about his involvement, Ward denied any participation in the attack. However, subsequent forensic evidence and investigation led to his arrest and charges. He faced four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, charges that reflect the severity and cruelty of his actions. During an earlier court appearance, Ward pleaded guilty to these charges, acknowledging his guilt.
At Leeds Crown Court, Judge Simon Phillips KC described Ward’s conduct as 'sadistic' and emphasized the distress caused not only to the animals but also to their owners. The judge highlighted the financial burden placed on the owners, who faced vet bills amounting to hundreds of pounds due to the injuries inflicted on their beloved animals. In response to the incident, the horse yard where the attack occurred increased security measures, including the installation of a CCTV system valued at around £1,000, to prevent future incidents.
PC Rachel Harrison, a member of the Leeds West Patrol Team 3, who led the investigation, expressed her outrage at Ward’s actions. She stated, “Ward targeted these defenceless animals and caused serious injuries to them which left them in significant pain and distress. He has not explained his actions, and we can only assume that he derived some sense of satisfaction from inflicting these injuries on them. As well as the pain and distress caused to the horses, these incidents also caused upset to the owners and understandable concern in the local community.”
During police interviews, Ward denied any involvement, claiming he had grown up with horses and would never harm an animal. Nevertheless, forensic evidence linked him to the scene, leading to his guilty plea. The case has brought a sense of relief to the victims and the wider community, knowing that justice has been served.
In sentencing, Luke Ward was sentenced to 45 months in prison. Additionally, he was banned from keeping or owning any animals for the rest of his life, a measure aimed at preventing any future cruelty. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable creatures from harm.