Southampton Crown Court sentencing: Dr Andrew Semple and wife Samantha Semple-Thomas neglected donkeys found by the RSPCA starving and suffering in field off Hatchet Lane in Beaulieu

A COUPLE have been given an animal ban after leaving donkeys to fend for themselves in “appalling conditions” which resulted in the death of one.

Dr Andrew Semple and his wife Samantha Semple-Thomas were investigated by the RSPCA after concerns were raised about the animals, which were being kept in a Beaulieu field.

RSPCA inspector Jo Story found the animals “eating poor quality, mouldy hay” and “struggling in thick mud” in a Hatchet Lane paddock.

She saw a dead donkey in a nearby field which was “extremely muddy”, making it difficult for her to get to the animal.

When she did, she found it had been dead for “some time” and one of its eyes was missing, possibly having been taken by a predator.

The five donkeys still alive were “underweight with poor coats” and there were fears they had a medical condition known as ‘mud fever’.

The animals had to walk through mud to get to their shelter, and the inspector found there was no “palatable” food readily available.

A vet who attended the animals reported they were thin and that the hay left out for them was unsuitable.

They also found several of the donkeys – named Fire, Sooty, River, Rosie and Ruby – had dental issues which caused painful ulcers.

The couple were arrested and charged with causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals between January and March 2024.

They were also charged with failing to take steps to ensure the needs of animals for which they were responsible.

At Southampton Crown Court the couple, from Holbury, claimed that their care of the donkeys had “declined” after Mrs Semple-Thomas suffered a back injury and lost her father.

Her husband took over looking after the animals but gave them donkey feed only once a day which had been prepared by his wife and had been aware they had no hay.

The couple were banned from owning equines for five years, given an 18-month community order and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

They were also ordered to pay costs of £2,500 each.

Speaking after the case Ms Story said: “Animals are reliant on owners to be given everything they need to survive, including an appropriate diet and suitable living conditions.

“We’d plead to anyone who is struggling to cope with the care of their pets to reach out and ask for the help they need.

“Sadly, these animals were badly neglected without food and homed within a space that severely compromised their health and welfare and sadly led to the death of one donkey.”

Following the rescue, the RSPCA found new homes for the animals at the Donkey Sanctuary where they are “settling into their surroundings and developing relationships with their new carers”.

Hannah Bryer, head of Welfare GB at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “Donkeys who have experienced a history of poor welfare often require specialist care and ongoing behaviour training.

“We’ve been happy to welcome Fire, Sooty, River, Rosie and Ruby into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary where our dedicated donkey care teams will continue to support their rehabilitation.

“Whilst we hope they may be able to join our Rehoming Scheme in the future; they will always have a home for life at the Sanctuary.”