REBECCA TUCKER AND LUKE MORLEY CONVICTED OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BRADWORTHY AND LEICESTER

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Rebecca Tucker, born around 1972 and originally from Bradworthy, along with Luke Morley, born circa 1981 and now residing in Leicester, have been found guilty of multiple violations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. The allegations stem from their failure to provide proper care for their livestock, which included horses, cattle, and pigs, kept in conditions described as squalid and neglectful.

Authorities, including Trading Standards Officers, veterinarians from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and inspectors from the RSPCA, conducted multiple visits to the pair’s premises during December 2017 and January 2018. These inspections revealed a shocking level of animal suffering and neglect. On one occasion, a veterinarian discovered 14 cattle confined within a newly constructed shed that lacked basic necessities such as dry bedding or food. Adjacent to this shed, pigs were housed in a small area that also lacked access to water, highlighting the severity of their neglect.

Another inspection in mid-morning found that the animals had not been fed or given water that day, indicating ongoing neglect. During a separate visit, Trading Standards Officers observed 11 horses grazing in a field that lacked suitable dry areas for resting, and these animals were also deprived of supplementary food. The field itself was in a poor state, with a collapsed five-bar gate, broken fencing, and collapsing netting, all of which posed risks of injury from sharp metal edges, nails, and scattered debris such as plastic and burnt rubbish.

Some of the horses were in such a dire condition that the RSPCA intervened, taking possession of them due to the unnecessary suffering they endured. The heatwave in May further exacerbated concerns, as vets warned about the lack of adequate shelter and water for the pigs, making them vulnerable to sunburn and dehydration.

Repeated visits by Trading Standards Officers continued to uncover issues related to diet, water supply, and overall environment. They provided both verbal and written advice to Tucker and Morley, but despite these interventions, only minimal or temporary improvements were observed. In June, further inspections revealed eight pigs suffering from a lack of dry bedding, and a Belgian Blue calf was found with hair loss, scabs, and a significant untreated lice infestation.

At the time of these offences, Tucker was identified as the owner of the farming operation, employing Morley to care for the animals. The court heard that Tucker attempted to shift blame onto Morley, claiming he was responsible for the animals’ poor condition, despite extensive advice and warnings issued by inspectors to both individuals.

In sentencing, the court imposed a range of penalties. Rebecca Tucker received a 17-week prison sentence for each offence, to be served concurrently, suspended for 12 months, along with 180 hours of unpaid community work and a total fine of £390. Luke Morley was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment per offence, also suspended for 12 months, with 120 hours of unpaid community work and a total fine of £240. Both individuals are banned from keeping animals for ten years, with the ban set to expire in October 2028.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal welfare neglect in rural areas like Bradworthy and the importance of vigilant enforcement to prevent such suffering from continuing.