In a bizarre story of torture and sexual deviancy, various animals were neglected, starved, beaten, and abused for the sexual enjoyment of their owners, James Baker, Sarah Baker, and Darren Laker.
James Baker, Sarah Baker, and Darren Laker, all from Par, subjected one of the animals, a Pony, to severe mistreatment and abuse in one of the most horrific animal cruelty abuses Devon and Cornwall has ever seen.
Sherbert, the Pony, was among 13 animals rescued from deviant and inhuman owners, following a multi-agency operation in 2022.
Thanks to months of ongoing abuse, the Shetland pony was emaciated and still bore remnants of paint from bizarre rituals.
She was also infested with lice, had enlarged hooves, and suffered from cardiac difficulties.
James Baker, 55, and Sarah Baker, 33, from Par, confessed to six charges of inflicting needless pain and abuse on horses, ponies, a donkey, and a goat.
Darren Laker, 46, also from Par, confessed to one charge of inflicting needless pain and abuse on a horse.
James Baker and Sarah Baker received a nine-month sentence for each count, suspended for two years, at Truro Crown Court.
Darren Laker received a 12-week prison sentence, which is suspended for two years.
Sherbert the Shetland pony has fortunately secured a new, affectionate home in Wales.
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