SUSAN AND JOHN SHEARS' CRUELTY IN GOOLE: DONKEYS AND MULE ENDURE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
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Goole Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Susan Alison Shears and her son John A Shears, both residents of Goole, have been found guilty of subjecting their animals to inhumane and hazardous living conditions. The case, which drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations, highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty in the area.
Susan Shears, a councillor serving on the Gowdall Parish Council, faced charges related to the mistreatment of two donkeys named Dora and Daisy, as well as a mule called Ebony. Despite her initial denial of the allegations, a court trial concluded with her being convicted of seven offences linked to the neglect and poor treatment of these animals. Her son, John Shears, pleaded guilty at the outset of the proceedings to four of the same offences concerning the same animals.
The investigation revealed that the animals were kept in a field overgrown with ragwort, a plant known to be toxic to equines. The field was littered with loose barbed wire and fallen wire netting, creating a dangerous environment that posed risks of injury and entanglement. The animals had access to an old, disused work container, which was grossly unsuitable as shelter. The container was too small, had sharp edges, and contained canvas straps that could have caused injury or entrapment. Susan Shears was seen allowing the animals to use this cramped and hazardous structure as their shelter.
Furthermore, the donkeys and mule lacked access to proper hard-standing areas, which are essential for protecting their feet from wet, muddy conditions and preventing infections. Their water supply was inadequate and contaminated, with algae buildup indicating poor maintenance. All three animals exhibited overgrown teeth and hooves, requiring urgent dental and farrier treatment, which they had been denied.
RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton, who led the investigation, explained that police had to forcibly enter the field using bolt cutters to gain access. Once inside, a team comprising RSPCA staff, an independent veterinarian, and representatives from The Donkey Sanctuary examined the animals and their environment. The veterinarian diagnosed Dora with laminitis, a painful hoof condition, and found that Ebony was suffering from ulceration of the soft tissues in her mouth caused by inadequate dental care. The veterinarian strongly recommended that the animals be removed from the site to prevent further suffering. Consequently, police took custody of the animals, transferring them into the care of the RSPCA.
Following their rescue, Dora, Daisy, and Ebony were transported to a facility funded by The Donkey Sanctuary, where they received immediate veterinary attention, including dental and hoof care. Sadly, Ebony's ongoing dental issues led to her being put to sleep on veterinary advice. Dora and Daisy responded well to treatment, but due to their age and ongoing care needs, they are likely to remain in sanctuary care for the foreseeable future.
In the sentencing hearing, Susan Shears was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £3,000 in costs. She was also disqualified from keeping equines for life, although she has the right to appeal after ten years. Her son, John Shears, received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a £700 fine and a ten-year disqualification from owning or keeping equines, with the possibility of appeal after five years. A deprivation order was also issued, stripping both of them of ownership rights over the donkeys.
It was later reported that Susan Shears lost her appeal against her conviction for neglecting the animals. The appeal, heard over two days, was dismissed in its entirety by Recorder Taryn Turner and two magistrates. The original convictions and sentences from August 3, 2021, remain in effect, and Shears was ordered to pay an additional £2,000 in costs within 12 months.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, provided an update on Dora and Daisy, emphasizing the ongoing care they require. She noted that both donkeys have continued to need veterinary attention, including the removal of Daisy’s painful eye condition earlier this year. Despite these challenges, the donkeys are now in good health and are monitored regularly to ensure their well-being. Bryer expressed hope that, with continued care, the animals will enjoy a better quality of life.
RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton concluded by stating his satisfaction that the case has finally been resolved. He emphasized that Susan Shears failed in her legal duty to care for her animals, leading to their suffering. Thanks to the efforts of The Donkey Sanctuary and the RSPCA, Dora and Daisy are now living in a safe environment and are enjoying improved health, a stark contrast to their previous conditions.
Susan Shears, a councillor serving on the Gowdall Parish Council, faced charges related to the mistreatment of two donkeys named Dora and Daisy, as well as a mule called Ebony. Despite her initial denial of the allegations, a court trial concluded with her being convicted of seven offences linked to the neglect and poor treatment of these animals. Her son, John Shears, pleaded guilty at the outset of the proceedings to four of the same offences concerning the same animals.
The investigation revealed that the animals were kept in a field overgrown with ragwort, a plant known to be toxic to equines. The field was littered with loose barbed wire and fallen wire netting, creating a dangerous environment that posed risks of injury and entanglement. The animals had access to an old, disused work container, which was grossly unsuitable as shelter. The container was too small, had sharp edges, and contained canvas straps that could have caused injury or entrapment. Susan Shears was seen allowing the animals to use this cramped and hazardous structure as their shelter.
Furthermore, the donkeys and mule lacked access to proper hard-standing areas, which are essential for protecting their feet from wet, muddy conditions and preventing infections. Their water supply was inadequate and contaminated, with algae buildup indicating poor maintenance. All three animals exhibited overgrown teeth and hooves, requiring urgent dental and farrier treatment, which they had been denied.
RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton, who led the investigation, explained that police had to forcibly enter the field using bolt cutters to gain access. Once inside, a team comprising RSPCA staff, an independent veterinarian, and representatives from The Donkey Sanctuary examined the animals and their environment. The veterinarian diagnosed Dora with laminitis, a painful hoof condition, and found that Ebony was suffering from ulceration of the soft tissues in her mouth caused by inadequate dental care. The veterinarian strongly recommended that the animals be removed from the site to prevent further suffering. Consequently, police took custody of the animals, transferring them into the care of the RSPCA.
Following their rescue, Dora, Daisy, and Ebony were transported to a facility funded by The Donkey Sanctuary, where they received immediate veterinary attention, including dental and hoof care. Sadly, Ebony's ongoing dental issues led to her being put to sleep on veterinary advice. Dora and Daisy responded well to treatment, but due to their age and ongoing care needs, they are likely to remain in sanctuary care for the foreseeable future.
In the sentencing hearing, Susan Shears was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £3,000 in costs. She was also disqualified from keeping equines for life, although she has the right to appeal after ten years. Her son, John Shears, received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a £700 fine and a ten-year disqualification from owning or keeping equines, with the possibility of appeal after five years. A deprivation order was also issued, stripping both of them of ownership rights over the donkeys.
It was later reported that Susan Shears lost her appeal against her conviction for neglecting the animals. The appeal, heard over two days, was dismissed in its entirety by Recorder Taryn Turner and two magistrates. The original convictions and sentences from August 3, 2021, remain in effect, and Shears was ordered to pay an additional £2,000 in costs within 12 months.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, provided an update on Dora and Daisy, emphasizing the ongoing care they require. She noted that both donkeys have continued to need veterinary attention, including the removal of Daisy’s painful eye condition earlier this year. Despite these challenges, the donkeys are now in good health and are monitored regularly to ensure their well-being. Bryer expressed hope that, with continued care, the animals will enjoy a better quality of life.
RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton concluded by stating his satisfaction that the case has finally been resolved. He emphasized that Susan Shears failed in her legal duty to care for her animals, leading to their suffering. Thanks to the efforts of The Donkey Sanctuary and the RSPCA, Dora and Daisy are now living in a safe environment and are enjoying improved health, a stark contrast to their previous conditions.