SARA ROSS'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN FAVERSHAM AND WINDSOR: SHOCKING SANCTUARY CONDITIONS EXPOSED

Sara Ross, a woman known for her involvement in animal rescue efforts, faced serious allegations and legal action after her sanctuary was found to be in a deplorable state of neglect. Born on February 1, 1954, Ross resided at Gardeners Cottage, Chalky Lane, Boughton-under-Blean, near Faversham, where her care for animals was called into question.

Her sanctuary, the Animal Sanctuary UK, located in Lake End Road, Dorney, Windsor, Berkshire, became the focus of a major investigation when the RSPCA raided the premises on May 31, 2017. The inspection revealed a scene of chaos and neglect, with the entire site in a state of disrepair. The sheds housing animals were dilapidated, infested with vermin, and filled with debris, abandoned machinery, and piles of manure. The conditions were so dire that the environment was described as unfit for any living creature.

Inspectors reported that horses were found lying or standing in their own urine and feces on muddy paddocks that lacked sufficient grass. The animals were suffering from malnutrition, with inadequate food supplies, and the area was infested with flies and rats, some of which were seen running in and out of cages housing the animals. The neglect extended to smaller animals as well, with seven cats and eight dogs crammed into a single caravan, sharing space with piles of litter, dead rats, and mice strewn across the area.

Further disturbing findings included three adult cats confined within a cage only large enough for a kitten, and livestock kept in cramped, unsuitable conditions. Some animals were found standing on rotting hay as high as six feet off the ground, suffering from various diseases. Many were kept in tiny cages that were clearly inadequate for their needs. The inspection also uncovered footage showing birds confined in tiny cages, with small rings attached to their legs that caused flesh injuries. A turkey was kept in a similarly small space, only suitable for small birds, highlighting the extent of neglect.

Hazel Stevens, representing the RSPCA, explained that the appalling conditions came to light after whistleblowers reported cruelty, abuse, and neglect. She stated that volunteers managing the sanctuary lacked the necessary experience and training, which contributed to the ongoing mistreatment. The RSPCA also discovered that Ross had hidden many animals off-site, and subsequent checks failed to locate these animals, raising concerns about their fate.

Ross had previously established the now-defunct Horse Refuge in 1994 before founding The Animal Sanctuary UK in June 2012. She pleaded guilty to six charges related to failing to meet the basic needs of her animals and birds. During the court hearing, District Judge Sophie Toms remarked that something had gone very wrong at the sanctuary. She acknowledged that Ross likely did not intend to mistreat her animals but emphasized that her efforts were insufficient.

Legal representative Nigel Weller claimed that Ross was the victim of a hate campaign, alleging that online trolls and complaints from Windsor and Maidenhead Council had targeted her. He explained that Ross had suffered a severe injury four months prior to the raid when a horse trampled her, resulting in four surgeries and an inability to properly care for the sanctuary. Weller highlighted Ross’s long-standing dedication to animal rescue, noting she had sold her house in 2005 to fund her sanctuary work for over 38 years.

Despite her efforts, the court found that the neglect predated her injury, and her management of the sanctuary was fundamentally flawed. Co-defendant Hayley Poturici, born July 1992 of Frensham Walk, Farnham Common, who worked at the sanctuary, faced no further action after accepting an official RSPCA caution.

Ross was sentenced to 135 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay £750 in costs, and was disqualified from keeping animals for five years. However, on appeal, her disqualification was reduced to 12 months. A deprivation order was also issued, preventing her from reclaiming her dogs. The case underscores the importance of proper animal care and the consequences of neglecting those who depend on humans for their well-being.