John Griffiths, a resident in the area, was the first to notice the smoke rising into the sky on the morning of July 22. Concerned that it might be affecting the nearby fields, he quickly alerted his farmer neighbors. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the source of the smoke was a caravan that used to house rescue animals. Seeing the caravan engulfed in flames, Griffiths wasted no time in calling 999 to report the fire.
The caravan, located in Stoke Bliss on the Worcestershire and Herefordshire border, belonged to Graham Stephens, the owner of the Little Meadow site. Stephens, of Broad Street, Bromyard, had a troubled history with animal welfare. In October of the previous year, he was sentenced to eight months in jail and banned from keeping animals for life after pleading guilty to multiple offenses under the Animal Welfare Act.
The fire and rescue service responded promptly to the scene following reports of the blaze. Two chalets and the caravan were ablaze, along with a telegraph pole. Fire crews from Bromyard, Leominster, and Tenbury Wells, as well as a water carrier from Leominster, worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire. Despite the challenging conditions, the incident was successfully brought under control by early afternoon.
It was revealed that the chalets and caravans that were now in flames had previously been used by Stephens to house animals before his imprisonment. The animals found at Little Meadow had suffered greatly under his care, with instances of neglect and cruelty uncovered during investigations. From Chinese crested dogs to donkeys, birds, and more, the animals had endured unnecessary suffering due to Stephens‘ failure to provide proper care and treatment.
The details of Stephens‘ offenses were disturbing. From neglecting farriery and dental treatment for donkeys to failing to address lice infestations and bacterial infections, the animals at Little Meadow had been subjected to appalling conditions. The mistreatment extended to rabbits, guinea pigs, owls, and even a squirrel, all of whom were kept in filthy and inadequate living spaces.
The tragic events at Little Meadow serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding animal welfare standards. Despite the efforts of rescue organizations and concerned individuals like John Griffiths, there are still cases of cruelty and neglect that demand attention and action. As the fire crews continue to dampen down the remains of the caravan, the community reflects on the need for vigilance and advocacy in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
