In a concerning case reported from Hove Crown Court, two friends, 22-year-old Leighton Ashby and 20-year-old Oakley Hollands, received significant prison sentences after being found guilty of animal cruelty. The pair had been studying at Plumpton Agricultural College when they decided to chase a ewe in Ditchling Beacon while under the influence of alcohol. Their actions included beating the sheep to death, an event they filmed and laughed about, which shocked both the judge and the public alike.

Judge Jeremy Gold KC characterized their actions as 'sadistic,' indicating that they inflicted harm on the animal for their own enjoyment. Ashby and Hollands were sentenced to two years in prison and 20 months in a young offenders' institution, respectively. The prosecution detailed how Hollands encouraged Ashby to capture and harm the animal, pointing out a deep disdain and lack of empathy in their behavior, which highlights a troubling trend in animal abuse cases.

This incident raises serious concerns about animal welfare and the responsibility of individuals, especially those in the agricultural field, to treat animals with care. The case serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications of animal cruelty and the societal obligation to protect vulnerable beings from harm. It also brings to light the need for more robust education on ethical treatment of animals within agricultural programs.