SUSZANA ‘SUE’ TAYLOR AND PARTNERS CRUELTY AT PRESTON BEACH FARM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community near Preston, Suzzana ‘Sue’ Taylor, her daughter Grace Taylor, and her former partner Andrew Lomas have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving beach donkeys and Pomeranian dogs. The conviction follows a detailed investigation that uncovered the extent of the abuse inflicted upon innocent animals at Fir Trees Farm, located on Harbour Lane in Salwick, Preston.

Footage secretly recorded by neighbors and subsequently handed over to the RSPCA revealed horrifying acts of violence directed at a herd of donkeys kept at the farm. The videos depicted the animals being punched, kicked, whipped, and struck with sticks. One donkey, named Bruce, was subjected to a particularly brutal attack involving a running kung-fu style dropkick. These images of cruelty were captured on different dates, illustrating a pattern of long-term abuse.

The farm was raided in September 2017 by a joint operation involving police officers, RSPCA inspectors, veterinary professionals, and local council enforcement officers. The investigation was prompted by neighbors who, after moving away from the area, decided to share the footage they had collected, which exposed the inhumane treatment of the animals. The court heard that the donkeys, Bethany and Floppy, suffered from neglect and poor health; Bethany was severely underweight, and Floppy had an untreated sarcoid growth. Both animals were ultimately euthanized on veterinary advice due to their suffering.

Despite the farm’s licensing by Blackpool Council, which permitted the Taylors to keep donkeys and offer rides to children, inspections earlier in the year had indicated the animals were in good health. However, the court was shown evidence that the animals endured prolonged abuse behind the scenes. Veterinarians testified that the donkeys appeared to have been living in constant fear and pain, with their living conditions described as filthy—concrete yards covered in urine and droppings, with soiled bedding.

In addition to the donkeys, the investigation uncovered 16 Pomeranian dogs living in deplorable conditions. The dogs were kept in wet, muddy enclosures without access to fresh water. One of the dogs had a painful, untreated bite wound, while others suffered from matted fur and eye infections. The neglect was so severe that the animals required immediate veterinary attention.

Inspector Amy McIntosh, who led the investigation, expressed her outrage at the cruelty inflicted upon the animals. She described the footage as shocking and emphasized that the perpetrators were profiting from the animals’ work, despite their suffering. The donkeys, known for their gentle and friendly nature, had been used to entertain children on the beach, creating a false image of well-being that starkly contrasted with the reality of their treatment.

The court also heard that Lomas, who has a history of violent behavior, did not testify during the trial. He had been refused a donkey license, and the Taylors’ licenses were suspended following the investigation. The family has since relinquished their lease on the farm and now reside in a horsebox parked on the property. They continue to deny the allegations.

Sentencing saw Grace Taylor receive a community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work, along with a £500 fine. She was also banned from owning animals for three years. Suzzana Taylor received a 14-week jail sentence, suspended for a year, and was ordered to pay £500 in costs. She was similarly banned from owning animals for three years. Lomas, with prior convictions for violence, was sentenced to 14 weeks in jail, suspended for a year, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £500 costs, and was disqualified from owning animals for three years. All bans expired in September 2021.

Animal welfare advocates, including Hannah Bryer from The Donkey Sanctuary, expressed their distress over the case. Bryer highlighted the importance of proper care and management of donkeys, condemning the brutal attacks captured on film. She emphasized that donkeys are resilient animals but often hide their suffering, making it crucial for owners and the public to remain vigilant. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues of animal cruelty in Britain, and the need for continued enforcement and education to prevent such tragedies in the future.