STACY HUMPHRYS FROM IPSWICH BANNED FOR LIFE OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE AT WEST MEADOWS TRAVELLERS SITE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community in Ipswich, Stacy Humphrys, also known as Boogile Lee, has been found guilty of severe animal cruelty and is now subject to an indefinite ban from keeping any animals. Born around 1987, Humphrys resides at the West Meadows Travellers Site in Ipswich, with the address listed as IP1 5NU. His conviction stems from a series of appalling neglect and abuse incidents involving a total of 17 dogs, 23 poultry, a young pony, and a filly.

Humphrys admitted to seven offences under the Animal Welfare Act, which included four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a young filly and four dogs, as well as three counts of failing to meet the basic welfare needs of his animals. The charges detailed the deplorable conditions in which these animals were kept, highlighting the extent of neglect and cruelty inflicted upon them.

The case came to light in April 2019 when the RSPCA responded to reports of an underweight whippet at Humphrys' residence within the West Meadows Travellers encampment. Upon arrival, Inspector Jason Finch was confronted with a distressing scene. He discovered a dog suffering from fur loss and two other dogs confined in a room covered in both old and fresh faeces. As he continued his inspection of the property, the inspector was alarmed by the conditions of numerous other animals.

Inspector Finch promptly contacted the police, a veterinarian, and other RSPCA officers to assist in managing the situation. His account of the scene was deeply troubling. He described the animals living in cramped, filthy enclosures with little to no access to water. Many of the dogs, especially those with long coats, were covered in faeces, and some exhibited fur loss. Live fleas were visible on several animals, and two particularly thin and nervous dogs, also covered in faeces, were seen frantically drinking from a bowl of water provided at the vet’s clinic.

Inspector Finch expressed his dismay at the case, stating, “It was extremely disturbing to see so many animals living in such terrible conditions. As we proceeded around the property, more and more dogs were found in small, inadequate runs. All were filthy, with faeces everywhere, and many had little or no water. Some of the dogs, especially those with long hair, were filthy with faeces, and some had fur loss. Live fleas could be seen on many of them. The two extremely thin dogs drank eagerly when given fresh water at the vet’s.”

Despite previous efforts to assist Humphrys in improving the welfare of his animals, the inspector noted that the defendant failed to follow through with advice and help offered. “We and other organisations have tried to work with this defendant in the past to help him improve the welfare of his animals. But despite the help and advice he has been given, he failed to do what was right for these animals, which led to their suffering,” Finch added.

All animals seized from Humphrys’ property were signed over by him and have since made significant recoveries. Many of these animals have already found loving new homes, thanks to the efforts of rescue organizations. Julie Harding, senior field officer at the Redwings horse sanctuary, expressed her shock and disappointment at the case. She recounted the plight of a young black filly, who arrived at the sanctuary in a state of extreme weakness and undernourishment, unable to stand without assistance. Thanks to the dedicated work of veterinarians and care staff, the filly has now made a full recovery and is assured a safe, permanent home at Redwings.

Humphrys was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, with total costs and charges amounting to £989. Additionally, he received an indefinite ban on keeping animals, with the possibility of appealing after five years. However, in November 2019, this ban was reduced to five years, with the right to appeal after one year. Humphrys’ history of animal cruelty is not new; in March 2014, he was jailed for two years after his horses wandered onto the A14 at Sproughton in Suffolk, resulting in a tragic accident that caused the death of a driver and the deaths of three horses. Thomas Allen, a 23-year-old from Soham, Cambridgeshire, died a few days after the incident.

As of September 2021, Humphrys faced further convictions related to similar offences, underscoring a troubling pattern of neglect and cruelty towards animals in his care. The community and animal welfare organizations continue to monitor his case, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ongoing vigilance to prevent such suffering from recurring.