PAUL ALTON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BACUP: HORSE LEFT TO SUFFER AND DOGS IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

Paul Alton, a known figure in Bacup with a troubling history of animal cruelty, was involved in a particularly distressing case in January 2016 that highlighted his ongoing neglect and abuse of animals. The incident centered around a bay thoroughbred horse named ‘Jack,’ which was left to endure severe suffering due to Alton’s failure to seek urgent veterinary care.

On January 21, 2016, Alton assisted in moving the severely ill horse from his field to a nearby barn, attempting to provide some shelter. Despite his efforts to arrange for a veterinarian to attend to Jack, Alton did not follow through with this critical step. The horse was in a dire state, lying collapsed on the ground, with little strength to move, and was found in this condition three days later by RSPCA inspectors who responded to concerns about the animal’s health.

When inspectors arrived at Alton’s farm, located at Deanhead House, Trice Barn Farm, Bacup Old Road, Bacup OL13 8RF, they discovered Jack in a near-dead state. The veterinarian’s examination revealed that the horse was suffering from colic, a painful digestive condition, and was burdened with a heavy load of worms and lice in his abdomen. Despite multiple attempts by the vet to get Jack to stand, the animal’s condition was so critical that the vet made the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep to end his suffering.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Booker expressed her distress over the case, stating, “This poor horse was in a terrible state when we found him at the farm where Mr. Alton lives, back in January. He was collapsed on the ground with a rug thrown over him, barely alive. Mr. Alton claimed he couldn’t get hold of the owner of the horse, yet took no action to get a vet. It was obvious on day one the horse needed help. How anybody could leave him for four days is beyond me.”

Alton pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the horse and was ordered to pay a total of £647 in fines. Magistrates decided not to impose a disqualification order preventing him from owning or caring for animals, citing concerns about the significant impact such a ban would have on his business.

Alton’s history of animal cruelty extends beyond this incident. In February 2014, he was banned from keeping dogs for ten years after authorities discovered nearly 40 dogs, including 22 puppies, living in deplorable conditions within a filthy static caravan on his farm. The court found that Alton had neglected to provide proper care for the dogs, which he was breeding with the intent to sell. The animals were kept in squalid conditions, with some suffering from injuries such as a bleeding, malformed hind leg caused by a tractor accident, and others seen climbing atop a dead cow near the stables.

Alton, a father of two, also has convictions for domestic violence and firearms offences. His ban from keeping dogs was set to last until February 2024, and he was prohibited from transporting, selling, or being involved in any transactions related to dogs. An RSPCA inspector commented on the case, saying, “They were conditions that no animal should have to be placed in and they were absolutely appalling. I’m really pleased about the disqualification and it’s good that he will not be able to appeal for five years. The conditions that the dogs were subjected to were terrible, and I hope this decision will deter him and others from ever doing anything like this again.”