ORLA SHORTT'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN KEADY: STARVING 15 HORSES IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Orla Louise Shortt, also known as Lilly May, who resides at Granemore Park in Keady, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to fifteen horses under her care. Born in March 1994, Shortt's case drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations due to the severity of her actions.

Back in 2013, an investigation was initiated after a concerned member of the public lodged a complaint with Armagh City and District Council. The complaint detailed the dire conditions in which Shortt’s horses were being kept, prompting authorities to act swiftly. Animal welfare officers, supported by veterinary surgeons and police officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), conducted a thorough inspection of her property located on Armagh Road, Keady.

During the inspection, the team examined over 100 horses in her possession. The findings were alarming: numerous horses were found to be severely malnourished, with some showing signs of starvation and dehydration. The conditions of their enclosures were equally appalling, characterized by filth and neglect. Veterinary assessments confirmed that fifteen of these horses were suffering from neglect, with the veterinary surgeon certifying their condition as one of suffering due to lack of proper care.

The case was prosecuted by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The court heard how Shortt had failed in her duty to provide adequate food, water, and proper living conditions for her horses, leading to their suffering.

In sentencing, the court handed down a three-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, along with a fine of £250 to cover court costs. Additionally, Shortt was subjected to a two-year ban on keeping horses, which expired in January 2019. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting those who cannot speak for themselves, especially in rural communities like Keady.