Mother and Daughter Sentenced in County Durham Animal Cruelty Case
The rotting remains of multiple horses were discovered alongside severely neglected survivors in what authorities have described as a "nightmare farm" in County Durham. Kerry Anne Pickersgill, 48, and her daughter Ellie Newby, 25, have been sentenced for their roles in causing horrendous suffering to over 40 animals at their remote property.
Disturbing Discovery at Remote Farm
Inspectors from the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare uncovered a scene of extreme filth and cruelty during their investigation. They found 22 starving horses living in filthy conditions, with some collapsed from malnourishment and illness. "The images of starving horses standing alongside dead ones will stay with us all for a long time," said RSPCA Inspector Heidi Cleaver following the sentencing.
Twenty-one dogs were discovered in sheds, trailers, and stables, living in near darkness with rotten feces matted into their fur. Many suffered from sores on their paws from standing in toxic filth, while others showed signs of dental disease, inflamed ears, and infected eyes.
Court Proceedings Reveal Full Extent of Suffering
During a court hearing in October, Pickersgill admitted to 12 counts of causing unnecessary suffering, two counts of not meeting animals' needs, and breaching her previous lifetime ban on keeping animals. Newby admitted two offences of causing unnecessary suffering related to two dogs.
Judge Peter Makepiece KC sentenced the pair at Durham Crown Court on Friday. Pickersgill received a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years, along with requirements for rehabilitation activities, unpaid work, and mental health treatment. Newby received a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.
Haunting Testimonies from Investigators
RSPCA Inspector Ian Smith described discovering a stable with "no lighting but I was still able to see a chestnut foal and its dead mother lying in the corner." He noted the stable was filthy and deep in feces with no fresh bedding for the live foal.
Inspector Smith also found a large shed containing seven horses in poor condition, with two young equines lying dead on the floor. "The conditions were very poor, filthy and soaking wet with no clean bedding whatsoever," he testified. "It was clear that the animals at this establishment could not stay like this."
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Sixteen horses were transported to a private equine facility for immediate veterinary treatment. Tragically, eight horses were in such poor condition that veterinarians recommended euthanasia to prevent further suffering. The surviving horses are now being cared for by World Horse Welfare and have made good progress in their recovery.
The majority of dogs were nursed back to health and rehomed by the RSPCA's Felledge Animal Centre in County Durham and Great Ayton Animal Centre in North Yorkshire. A Shetland pony rescued from the farm has also been successfully rehomed.
Lasting Impact on Investigators
Seema Ritson, a Field Officer from World Horse Welfare who assisted with the investigation, stated: "Finding numerous dead horses left where they'd fallen – with the whole site reeking of rotting flesh – and starving equines shut in with no food, water, or light, was truly dreadful."
She added: "There are some cases that haunt me and this is one of them – the suffering here was horrendous." Inspector Cleaver echoed this sentiment, noting that everyone who worked at the scene was left shocked by what they encountered.
The case highlights the importance of animal welfare enforcement and the devastating consequences of neglect. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure compliance with the court's sentencing conditions.
