Luke Ward, a 37-year-old resident of Upper Woodview Place in Beeston, has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for a shocking and cruel attack on horses in a field in Leeds.

The disturbing incident took place at a farm located off Hall Lane, Farnley, in July of the previous year. Ward targeted defenceless horses in the field, using a knife to stab, slash, and strangle them. One horse was found with a shoelace tied tightly around its neck in an apparent attempt to strangle it. Three other horses were also discovered with severe injuries, including deep cuts and slashes.

Authorities recovered a knife with an 8-inch blade at the scene, and forensic analysis confirmed the presence of Ward’s DNA on the weapon.

During the investigation, Ward, who had lived across from the farm at the time of the incident, initially denied any involvement. However, he was subsequently charged with four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Ward eventually admitted to the offences during an earlier hearing at Leeds Crown Court. On the latest sentencing, he received a prison term of 45 months.

PC Rachel Harrison, a member of Leeds West Patrol Team 3, who led the investigation, expressed deep concern over Ward’s cruel actions, stating, “Ward targeted these defenceless animals and caused serious injuries to them, which left them in significant pain and distress.”

PC Harrison further commented, “He has not explained his actions, and we can only assume that he derived some sense of satisfaction from inflicting these injuries on them. As well as the pain and distress caused to the horses, these incidents also caused upset to the owners and understandable concern in the local community.”

Despite Ward’s initial denials, forensic evidence conclusively linked him to the scene, ultimately resulting in his guilty pleas. PC Harrison concluded by expressing hope that Ward’s sentencing would provide some reassurance to the victims and the broader community, knowing that he has been held accountable for his cruel actions.