The search for a missing pet led to the discovery of 455 neglected animals living in “abhorrent conditions”.
On September 18th 2025, farmer Lee Hayes, 52, was sentenced to 12-months in prison and given a lifetime ban on owning all animals.
Two years prior, an anonymous tip regarding a missing dog had been given to a charity dedicated to helping find lost and stolen pets, leading to the discovery of 455 neglected animals under Hayes’ care.
On November 1st 2023, a warrant was served and the RSPCA arrived to find hundreds of animals living in horrific conditions. With the help of over 100 staff members from seven charities, including Bransby Horses, The Donkey Sanctuary, Redwings, World Horse Welfare, British Horse Society, The Dogs Trust and Beauties’ Legacy, all 455 animals were seized from the property.
Welfare and Rescue Officer Nadine Hall and Field Officer Kris Walker assisted with the rescue, ensuring 70 horses, ponies, and donkeys were all safely rounded up and removed from site. “Everywhere we looked we could see animals living in squalor” said Nadine, “The conditions they were being kept in, and the sheer numbers of animals was shocking. The smell coming from the equines rotting feet was overpowering, sadly due to the prolonged suffering. I think this is one of the worse places I have seen.”
The rescue also included around 170 guinea pigs, more than 50 dogs and puppies, 24 goats and 107 birds, along with 14 other species.
RSPCA Inspector Laura Baker, who led the operation, said: “The conditions these animals were living in were absolutely appalling. The smell of manure hit as soon as you walked through the gate and the sheer volume of animals in dire circumstances was quite overwhelming.
“There were few signs any kind of animal husbandry had taken place. Many of the dogs for example, were suffering from easily treatable conditions and the lack of veterinary care demonstrated the total disregard the defendant took to the animals’ welfare.”
Among the animals rescued, were four donkeys named Buttons, Bueno, Yorkie and Malteser, quickly dubbed “The Chocolate Group.” Initially part of a larger group taken in by the RSPCA, the four youngsters were transferred into the care of Bransby Horses in June 2024.
All had just reached their first birthday and were an instant hit with staff members and visitors alike. Yorkie stood out due to her size and huge ears, towering not only over her group, but the rest of the donkeys on site.
They’ve integrated well into the current donkey herd and are thoroughly enjoying life two years on from their rescue. Thanks to the work of the RSPCA and many other charities, donkeys like Buttons, Bueno, Yorkie and Malteser will never experience neglect or suffering again. They will remain forever safe under the care of Bransby Horses.
You can visit The Chocolate Group throughout the winter months by attending one of our Donkey Talks. Dates for these talks can be found by visiting our events calendar.
