Emma’s death after anonymous complaint was a ‘total tragedy’

RSPCA had no issue with welfare of animals but call led to farmer, 43, taking own life

FARMER Emma Watson took her own life just weeks after an anonymous complaint was made to the RSPCA about the welfare of one of her animals.

The 43-year-old was found dead by her mother in a wooded area on the Oakamoor farm where they both lived on August 10, 2019.

An inquest heard she was upset following an incident a few weeks earlier when a report was made to the RSPCA regarding one of her sheep – despite an inspector confirming during a visit that there was no issue with the welfare of the animals.

The inquest heard evidence from Staffordshire County Council inspector Paul Mills, who had visited the Watsons’ farm, on Carr Bank, on June 28, 2019.

His statement said: “An anonymous complaint had been made regarding a sheep covered in maggots. It was referred from the RSPCA. When I arrived I saw Emma Watson. I explained the reason for my visit and she started to get upset.

“She said she checked the sheep every day and was only aware of one sheep with flystrike and was adamant it had been treated. After I reassured her I was only following up the complaint, she became calmer.”

The inquest heard the inspector examined the animals and the individual sheep in question was in ‘good condition’. Mr Mills added: “I was happy there were no welfare concerns for the animals.”

Miss Watson’s mother Isabel later telephoned the council on July 3, 2019. It was agreed there were no major issues and a routine inspection would be carried out in October.

Mrs Watson said in a statement that on August 8, 2019 she noticed her daughter was worried.

Mrs Watson said: “Emma seemed down. An inspector had made an appointment to come and check the animals. Things seemed to be getting on top of her.

“We went to bed at 10.30pm. Emma had been talking about having to go through all the animal records.”

The inquest heard Mrs Watson went to work at Alton Towers the following morning. “Emma was up and about,” she said. “She seemed a bit upset. I asked her if I should phone work and stay at home with her but she said no.”

When Mrs Watson returned that evening, her daughter was not at home. She looked around the farm but could not find her, so assumed Miss Watson had gone out.

The following morning, Mrs Watson began a more thorough search of the property and discovered her daughter’s body in a wooded area. The cause of death was recorded as hanging.

The inquest heard the former Painsley Catholic College pupil - who had a degree in ecology - had no medical history of anxiety or depression.

Her mother said: “Emma was always a very dedicated worker. She was very committed to the farm.”

Senior coroner Andrew Barkley described Miss Watson’s death as ‘a total tragedy’. Concluding that her death was suicide, he said: “The only clear indication from the evidence as to why this happened appears to be the anxiety caused by this inspection, caused by a complaint to the RSPCA about the condition of one sheep.

“Flystrike will strike very quickly and that is no indication of a lack of care. The inspector indicated he clearly had no concern for that sheep or any other.

“It played disproportionately on her mind. Her mother said she was anxious about this and having to check animal records.”