MICHELLE AND ETHAN FARRAR'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BATLEY REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, Michelle Farrar of 122 Ealand Road, Batley, and her son Ethan Lee Farrar of 15 Oakhill Road, Batley, have been found guilty of keeping two dogs in deplorable conditions, leading to severe suffering and neglect. The court proceedings have shed light on the extent of their misconduct, which involved starved animals living amidst filth and hazards.

It was in October 2022 that RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Rebecca Goulding visited the property on Oakhill Road, Batley, to investigate concerns about the welfare of the dogs residing there. From outside the house, ARO Goulding observed through a window two Dogues de Bordeaux—an adult and a puppy—who appeared to be in reasonably good health, alert, and active. Despite this initial impression, the officer quickly noted troubling signs of neglect and hazardous living conditions inside the property.

ARO Goulding described the interior as a scene of chaos and squalor. The smell of urine and feces was overpowering, and the windows and curtains were stained and filthy, indicating a long-standing neglect of hygiene. The living room was in complete disarray, with all surfaces covered in fecal matter, making it an environment wholly unsuitable for any living creature. The conditions inside the house were so dire that the officer remarked that the environment was clearly detrimental to the dogs’ well-being.

During her visit, ARO Goulding was informed by Ethan Farrar that the two dogs belonged to his mother, Michelle Farrar. Although Michelle was the legal tenant of the property on Oakhill Road, she was residing elsewhere, specifically at Ealand Road. The officer advised both mother and son that the conditions at Oakhill Road were unacceptable for the animals and that immediate improvements were necessary. Failure to do so would result in the dogs being removed from the property.

Despite multiple attempts to contact Michelle Farrar in person, she was unresponsive for some time. When she eventually returned the officer’s calls, she agreed to surrender the puppy, named Rain, to the RSPCA and to relocate the adult dog, Storm, to the Ealand Road address, which was deemed a more suitable environment. She was warned that Storm should not be returned to Oakhill Road unless significant improvements were made to the property.

However, a month later, ARO Goulding conducted a follow-up inspection and was dismayed to find that Storm was still in a hazardous environment. The dog was found in the backyard, which was littered with hazards and feces, rather than inside the house. The officer warned Ethan Farrar that if Storm was found inside the property again, she would be removed immediately.

In February 2023, RSPCA inspector Demi Hodby returned for a further inspection. She observed a visibly thin Storm sitting on a window ledge covered in feces, with a strong smell of urine and feces emanating from the property’s air vents. Ethan Farrar admitted that no improvements had been made, and the conditions had worsened. The dog’s health had significantly deteriorated, with her weight dropping substantially, and she was in urgent need of veterinary care. The inspector ordered that Storm be taken into RSPCA custody for treatment and investigation.

Storm was examined by a veterinarian, Dr. Sean Taylor, who identified a 3cm lesion on her tongue and dental disease causing her pain. The evidence indicated that these conditions had persisted for at least five days, likely longer, and that her suffering was a direct result of neglect. The veterinarian confirmed that the environment at Oakhill Road was grossly unsuitable for her needs, and the responsible parties had failed in their duty to provide proper care.

RSPCA Inspector Demi Hodby condemned the Farrars’ actions, stating, “It was the Farrars’ legal responsibility to properly care for Storm, and they failed to do so. Not only did they repeatedly ignore instructions to improve her living conditions, but they also neglected to seek veterinary care when it was desperately needed. This was a tragic case, and Storm’s suffering could have been easily prevented. We urge pet owners to seek help if they are struggling to care for their animals, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer.”

Storm was eventually rehomed by the RSPCA. Despite being diagnosed with cancer later in her life, she was given a new home where she could spend her remaining days in comfort and dignity.

In court, both Michelle and Ethan Farrar received 12-month community orders, including 20 days of rehabilitation. They were also ordered to pay costs of £400 each and a victim surcharge of £114. Michelle Farrar was handed a two-year ban on keeping any animals, which will expire in April 2026, while Ethan Farrar received a five-year ban, set to expire in April 2029. The case has garnered significant attention across local and national media outlets, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect.