MARK BARBER'S HORRIFIC NEGLECT OF ASHBOURNE DONKEYS LEADS TO DISQUALIFICATION AND FINE

In a distressing case of animal neglect, Mark Barber, a resident of Ashbourne, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two donkeys, Jessica and Jasmine, due to neglect of their hoof care. The incident came to light after a concerned member of the public reported the animals' dire condition at Barber's farm, The Waterings Farm in Blore, Ashbourne DE6 2BT.

On 15 February 2018, Barber appeared before Derby Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges related to the neglect of the donkeys. The court heard that Barber had failed to seek any veterinary or farrier treatment for Jessica and Jasmine, whose hooves had become dangerously overgrown, rendering them unable to walk properly and causing them significant pain.

The RSPCA, in collaboration with the Donkey Sanctuary, responded swiftly to the report. Inspector Charlotte Melvin from the RSPCA described the scene: “These two beautiful donkeys were left to suffer because Mr Barber failed to arrange veterinary or farrier treatment. When we arrived, we were shocked at what we saw.”

Jessica and Jasmine were found in a field on Barber’s farm, their hooves so overgrown that they could barely take a few steps without apparent distress. The neglect was evident, and the animals were clearly in agony. Melvin recounted that after a vet was called and confirmed their suffering, Barber agreed to relinquish the donkeys into the care of the authorities. The donkeys were carefully loaded into a horsebox and transported to the Donkey Sanctuary in Buxton for urgent treatment.

At the sanctuary, Jessica was diagnosed with severe sarcoids affecting her legs and belly. Although her condition was critical, she was deemed unlikely to recover fully and was subsequently euthanized to prevent further suffering. Jasmine, on the other hand, responded well to treatment and has since recovered. She remains under the care of the sanctuary in Devon, where she is now safe and well.

Hannah Bryer, head of welfare at the Donkey Sanctuary, expressed her sadness over the case: “Cases like this are incredibly sad as they can be so easily avoided. We are grateful for the combined efforts of the RSPCA, Derbyshire Police, and all involved in investigating this case. The disqualification order serves to protect the welfare of donkeys in the future, but of course the most important outcome is that Jasmine is now fit and well, with a safe and secure future ahead of her.”

In sentencing, Barber was fined £383, ordered to pay £500 in costs, and a £38 victim surcharge. Additionally, he was disqualified from owning or keeping donkeys for life, a measure intended to prevent similar neglect in the future. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable animals in the Ashbourne area.