Latest from Horse & Hound in Rspca

Can you help? Appeal for information as decapitated mare dumped with foal on byway

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:54:54 +0000

The bodies of a decapitated mare and foal have been found dumped in a byway in Shropshire.

The RSPCA has put out an appeal for information after a member of the public made the “distressing” discovery in Claverly on Sunday (26 July).

Charity animal rescue officers Sarah Guest and Meg Cross went to the scene, and have since been making enquiries about the “suspicious circumstances”.

“We’re grateful to the member of the public who contacted us; it must have been very distressing and upsetting to find,” Ms Guest said.

“The deceased bay was found in three pieces and they were covered with a tarpaulin when we visited. There were flies and maggots so it appears they have been deceased for longer than when they were reported to have been dumped.

“Due to the condition of the remains, we couldn’t locate a microchip. The horse – who we are presuming is a mare – appeared underweight and had long hooves.

“We don’t know how the [foal] or mare died but the circumstances are clearly a potential cause for concern, and we are looking into what may have happened here.”

Anyone with first-hand information about the horses is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 1238018, quoting reference 01864949.

The charity has launched a “cruelty hurts, love rescues” fundraising campaign, as reports of cruelty peak in summer. New figures show that in June, July and August 2025, 6,322 cruelty-related calls were made to the RSPCA emergency line, one in every 10 minutes the line is open. This compares to 3,852 calls in the same three months of 2021.

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ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok are not a substitute for calling the vet, horse owners warned

Lucy Elder — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:14:33 +0000

Equestrians are being warned that artificial intelligence (AI) does not replace calling the vet, after new RSPCA research considered the way pet owners use chatbots.

New data from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index, the charity’s annual UK survey into public attitudes towards animals that includes the views of almost 7,000 people, found that 10% of pet owners are routinely using AI for advice and support in looking after their animals.

The RSPCA is concerned that increased reliance on “conversations” with AI could lead to complacency from owners and untreated illnesses in animals.

The most common reasons people seek help from AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok are symptom checking for ill pets (62%), advice on behaviour and body language (49%) and dietary tips (30%).

Gemma Hope, RSPCA assistant director of policy, advocacy and evidence, warned that this could spell “an inadvertent ticking time bomb”.

“Whether we like it or not, AI is a game changer – including for animal welfare,” she said. “And it can be one of many helpful tools responsible pet owners use to understand their animals, or to get tips on things like enrichment, play time ideas and more.

“But we’re worried that, with so many pet owners now using large language models to check the symptoms of poorly pets, or query behavioural challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare.

“AI chat bots cannot physically examine an animal, check their bloods or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain.

“However good or clever AI may seem, if someone is in doubt about their pet’s health or notices rapid changes, it’s vital to reach out to a vet immediately.”

Lucy Grieve, veterinary projects officer at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), told H&H artificial intelligence “can be a useful tool for accessing general information, but it cannot replace a veterinary examination”.

“Horses cannot tell us how they are feeling, and diagnosis often relies on physical assessment, diagnostic tests and professional clinical judgement. AI-generated advice may not always be accurate or recognise when an apparently minor problem is actually a sign of serious disease.

“We would encourage owners to seek advice from their veterinary practice whenever they have concerns about their horse’s health or welfare.

“Digital tools, including video consultations, can support veterinary care in some situations, but they work best when used as part of a professional veterinary service rather than as a substitute for it.”

CBBC presenter and small animal vet Rory Cowlam, who has backed the RSPCA’s call, highlighted that there is a “massive difference” between a vet using clinical AI tools to support an examination, and an owner using a chatbot to skip one entirely.

“AI can be a great tool for brainstorming general pet tips, like how to keep your pet entertained, or enrichment ideas. But when your animal is genuinely sick, a chatbot is not where you should be looking for advice. If in doubt, log out from AI and reach out to a professional,” he said.

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Animal welfare is ‘no place for legal loopholes’: MPs debate animal abuse register and automatic lifetime bans

Becky Murray — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:02:54 +0000

A petition calling for a public register of animal abusers and automatic lifetime bans has been debated in parliament.

On 29 June, MPs discussed the petition started by cleaner and social media influencer Bea Elton, which almost 240,000 people have signed since its launch on 12 March. For petitions to be considered for debate, they must reach 100,000 signatures in six months.

Burton and Uttoxeter MP Jacob Collier said the number of people who had signed Ms Elton’s petition in just three months illustrated “the depth of feeling across our country” around animal abuse.

“That feeling, together with the expert opinion of organisations such as the RSPCA, indicates that the current provisions against animal abuse are not adequate,” he said.

But Mr Burton added that automatic lifetime bans for all who abuse animals “appears to be a disproportionate response” and a public register is “similarly unsuitable”. H&H reported concerns from equine welfare charities around a public register owing to the risk of “vigilante behaviour” (news, 4 June).

Cambourne and Redruth MP Perran Moon called on the Government to close the loophole whereby a banned owner can give animals to their spouse.

Doncaster East and Isle of Axholme MP Lee Pitcher agreed, adding: “there is no place for legal loopholes like that in our country”.

“The Government has referred to the police national computer and to existing arrangements for information sharing. I recognise that there are important safeguards around personal information and data protection that we must be aware of, but a record held somewhere in the system is not the same as a practical safeguarding tool that can stop a banned person acquiring another animal,” he said.

“That is the point behind the petition and it is a point that we should take very seriously.”

Newly appointed Defra minister Stephen Morgan said the Government published its animal welfare strategy for England in December, which includes “practical action to promote sensible, responsible pet ownership”. This strategy also includes plans for a consultation on licensing rescue and rehoming centres, which is still to be actioned.

“That matters, because many welfare problems begin long before prosecution is brought. They can start with poor breeding, poor socialisation, lack of knowledge or owners unable to meet an animal’s needs,” he said. “By addressing those causes earlier, we can reduce the risk of animal suffering and reduce pressure on enforcement bodies later on.”

He said courts have the power to impose lifetime bans where appropriate – and “it is right that they retain the discretion to do so”.

“Although we recognise the good intention behind the calls for a public register, the risks outweigh the benefits. Targeted disclosure remains the most effective approach. We are continuing to strengthen enforcement by supporting local authorities on how to use the tools available to them more effectively,” he said.

Blue Cross head of public affairs Becky Thwaites told H&H the debate had “some interesting and useful contributions” – and the charity supports a national register searchable by enforcement agencies and charities.

“Issues around animal welfare are not debated as often as we would like at Westminster so this was a welcome opportunity for MPs to put their views to the Defra minister,” she said. “The one disappointment was the minister provided no timeframe for the consultations promised in the Government’s animal welfare strategy – we need more clarity on that.”

Ms Thwaites added that as the 2006 Animal Welfare Act reaches its 20th anniversary, it is the “right moment for a comprehensive review”.

“This should include strengthening how disqualification orders are monitored and enforced, alongside serious consideration of introducing an animal offenders register,” she said.

RSPCA head of public affairs David Bowles told H&H the number of signatures the petition has had “demonstrates how passionate people feel about justice for animals”.

“We know many equine owners will be among those urging the UK Government to act,” he said.

“Sadly, despite the animal welfare laws the RSPCA helped to put into place, cruelty still happens too often, and our inspectors and rescuers see firsthand the reality of this on a daily basis.”

Mr Bowles said establishing an animal abuse register is an “emotive issue”.

“Details of convictions and disqualification orders under the Animal Welfare Act are stored on the Police National Computer, but this is not open to non-police personnel to see for data protection purposes, and to avoid vigilante action,” he said.

“The current framework poses a significant challenge; even though courts can disqualify individuals from ownership, there is currently no central system for rescue centres, charities or private individuals, including breeders, pet shops, or animal care companies, to check whether someone is banned from keeping animals before selling or rehoming an animal, or employing someone to care for animals.

“That’s why the RSPCA is working with governments and other stakeholders for a transparent system that enables identification by appropriate authorities of those previously convicted of an animal offence.

“Gaps also extend to local authorities who grant licenses to animal businesses. While legislation already states that people convicted of animal cruelty are ineligible to run certain animal-related businesses – knowledge to enforce these rules is key.”

Mr Bowles added that resourcing for local authorities will “need to remain a discussion point”, and said many are ”already under pressure” enforcing legislation such as the Control of Horses Act.

“We must find a system that helps everyone ensure that disqualified abusers cannot bypass the law and own, get access to or work with animals – while respecting that information is only provided appropriately to selected enforcers, to prevent vigilante and other anti-social actions,” he said.

“Individuals banned from keeping animals by courts are often publicised in the media and the current legal framework highlights why it is important that anyone suspecting an individual to be breaching or evading any imposed bans should report this to the police or other relevant authorities.”

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‘Their condition was heartbreaking’: owner banned for neglect after her two horses could not be saved

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:40:41 +0000

A woman whose neglect meant her two horses found in a “heartbreaking” condition had to be put down has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Stacey Price, of Stanbury Place, Cleobury Mortimer, has also been banned from keeping horses for five years. The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to one animal welfare offence, at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on 9 June.

The court heard the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare were contacted in November 2024 with welfare concerns about two horses owned by Price, Doc and Ludo.

“Concerns were raised that Price had not been attending to the horses regularly enough, and they were subsequently in poor health, underweight with noticeable skin issues,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

Officers from both charities went to the farm in Kidderminster at which Price kept the horses.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Rachel Ward said she found gelding Doc in a stable.

“I could easily see his ribs, hips and spine as well as a visible shelf from ribs to his spine and he also had very extensive rain scald with scabs and green discharge from some sores,” she said.

The spokesperson added that Ludo was in a field nearby, also in poor body condition. The officers contacted an equine vet, who examined the horses and certified they were at risk. Worcester Police put both into the charities’ care. Both were found to have high tapeworm burdens.

Stacey Price horse experienced hunger and pain

In a witness statement, the vet said Doc would have experienced hunger, and pain from his skin conditions, and that it was likely his nutritional needs had not been met for several weeks.

The vet said the rain scald was widespread and established and that there was no evidence to suggest it had been treated. The statement added that Ludo showed signs of malnutrition and hunger when examined, that his nutritional needs had not been met and worming had not been sufficiently carried out.

World Horse Welfare field officer said: “The condition Doc and Ludo were found in was absolutely heartbreaking. Doc especially was extremely thin and looked weak when he was walking. The untreated rain scald on his back would have been very sore and could have been completely avoidable with proper care. No horse should have to endure that.”

The RSPCA spokesperson added: “Sadly, despite best efforts of the RSPCA’s equine teams, both Ludo and Doc were put to sleep due to their ongoing health issues.”

In mitigation the court heard that Stacey Price did not intend to harm the horses and expected a third party would be looking after them.

She was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from owning or keeping horses for five years, which she cannot appeal. She was ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge of £154 and costs of £300.

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More than 200,000 back petition for public animal abuse register – but concerns raised about vigilante behaviour

Becky Murray — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:30:34 +0000

A petition calling for a public register of animal abusers has been signed by more than 200,000 people – but concerns have been raised about the risk of vigilante behaviour.

Cleaner and social media influencer Bea Elton launched the Parliament petition on 12 March; it asks for a public register to be created for offenders convicted of animal abuse, and for anyone convicted of animal abuse or neglect to be banned from owning animals for life.

The petition runs until 12 September and to date has been signed by more than 210,344 people. As it has more than the required 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a Parliament debate.

View the petition

Ms Elton told H&H that through her cleaning business she has seen “some highly distressing scenes where animals are left to survive in terrible conditions”. She would like any register to include all animals, including horses.

“There are instances where animals are being treated cruelly, and there are limitations to the processes that are meant to protect those animals from future abuse, even by abusers who are convicted in court,” she said.

RSPCA head of public affairs David Bowles told H&H establishing a register is “a really emotive issue”.

“Details of convictions and disqualification orders under the Animal Welfare Act are stored on the police national computer [PNC], but this is not open to non-police personnel to see for data protection purposes, and to avoid vigilante action,” he said.

“The current framework poses a significant challenge; even though courts can disqualify individuals from ownership, there is no central system for animal rescue centres, charities or private individuals, including breeders, pet shops or animal care companies, to check whether someone is banned from keeping animals before selling or rehoming an animal, or employing someone to care for animals.

“Gaps also extend to local authorities who grant licences to animal businesses. While legislation already states that people convicted of animal cruelty are ineligible to run animal businesses, knowledge to enforce these rules is key.”

Mr Bowles added that “we must find a system that helps everyone ensure that disqualified abusers cannot bypass the law and own, get access to or work with animals” – while “respecting that this information is only provided to appropriately selected enforcers”.

World Horse Welfare head of public affairs Kim Ayling told H&H although the charity understands the petition’s sentiment, it is not in favour of a public register owing to the risk of vigilante behaviour.

Instead, World Horse Welfare supports welfare charity the SSPCA’s manifesto for a register that allows enforcement agencies to monitor bans and track repeat offenders via connection to current intelligence systems but is not public (news, 5 March).

“Ideally, we would like to see this implemented not just in Scotland, but across the UK. While improving the flow of intelligence and information will make it easier to know if someone is banned from keeping animals, enforcement is key,” said Ms Ayling. “To prevent animals suffering in future, enforcement agencies need to have the capacity and resources to enforce bans.”

On 19 May a DEFRA spokesperson responded to the petition, stating that the Government has no plans to introduce a register – or automatic lifetime bans.

“The Government does not think it would be appropriate to introduce a publicly accessible animal cruelty register. The majority of the population comply with our high animal welfare laws,” said the spokesperson. “In the upsetting and unacceptable instances where these laws are violated or repeatedly violated, we already have these offences recorded.”

The spokesperson added that animal cruelty prosecutions recorded on the PNC may be shared with appropriate organisations at police discretion but it is important this information is restricted to “protect from misuse”; an approach consistent with the Government’s approach to the child sex offender and domestic violence disclosure schemes.

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‘A very delicate rescue’ of pony found completely stuck inside tractor tyre

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:44:36 +0000

We all know the strange situations horses can find themselves in – but there can’t be many as odd as this one.

This pony was found completely stuck in a large tractor tyre, which was lying on its side in a field in Stoke-on-Trent.

Members of the public spotted that the tyre had an unexpected inhabitant and called the RSPCA, which sent animal rescue officer Nicola Riley to the scene.

“When Nicola arrived, the pony was trapped and unable to free himself,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “His coat was extremely matted and dirty, and although he was breathing, he was clearly distressed.”

People who live in the area helped by lifting the tyre while Ms Riley tried to free the pony, thought to be an adult and about 14hh, in stages. The spokesperson told H&H he was exhausted and did not need to be sedated.

“It was a very delicate rescue,” Ms Riley said. “The poor pony was completely wedged against the tyre and understandably very scared and uncomfortable.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We had to take a staggered approach to free him safely; first easing out his front feet, then carefully working his shoulder free before finally releasing his neck and front end. Thankfully, everyone worked really well together and we managed to get him out without causing any injury.”

The pony was “a little wobbly” once he was freed, and stood with his back legs still in the tyre but then managed to step out of it. Ms Riley stayed with him and his companion for an hour afterwards to ensure he had recovered.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He soon returned to grazing and walking around the field again,” she said. “But this could have ended very differently, so I’m really grateful to the local residents who stopped to help.”

The tyre was removed from the field and the spokesperson said no other welfare concerns were noted; the owner has been given advice and paperwork, and the ponies will be monitored as appropriate.

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Man caught on video dragging young horse behind vehicle used method to ‘break in ponies’

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:29:51 +0000

A man caught on video dragging a young horse behind a vehicle said it was a method he used to “break in ponies”.

Geoffrey Williams, of Aberbran, Brecon, has been fined £1,000 having pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence. The 63-year-old was sentenced on 6 May at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard the RSPCA had been shown three video clips, taken on 2 April last year, showing a “black-coloured young cob pony who was attached by a headcollar of some sort, via a length of rope, to the back of a quad or gator type vehicle that was moving down a sloped field”.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Rohan Barker, who visited Williams and showed him the video, said: “He confirmed that it was him in the video and explained that the method he was using was a method he had used for years to break in ponies.”

In a written statement, a vet from another charity said the videos showed the pony and vehicle moving from left to right on each of three occasions.

“Everything exhibited in the videos indicates that the driver of the quad vehicle exposed the pony to a series of harmful physical and mental experiences that caused distress, fear and risk of physical injury and lasting harm,” the vet said.

“Fearful learning experiences are generally not erasable and therefore the pony has in all probability been left with not only a likely physical legacy of harm from the experiences seen in the videos; but also a lifelong fear of handling that could be triggered by exposure to any number of stimuli (like another similar vehicle) in the presence of an unsuspecting future owner/trainer.”

Williams had pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of a pony to be protected from pain, suffering and injury through an unacceptable and inappropriate method of handling. In mitigation, he said it was a method he used to “break in ponies” but accepted that training methods had moved on and he had not repeated the behaviour.

As well as the fine, he was ordered to pay £400 costs and a £400 surcharge.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “The RSPCA believes that all animals should be trained using kind, ethical and science based methods by appropriately qualified and regulated professionals. Equines need calm, consistent and sympathetic handling by competent people. A consistent gentle approach should be used, and training should be based on a reward-focused system.”

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Mare keeps a watchful eye as rescuers help foal stuck in aqueduct

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:12:37 +0000

A foal who was stuck in an aqueduct three feet deep has been reunited with her mother thanks to the RSPCA.

The filly was spotted by walkers in the leat, or man-made watercourse, on Dartmoor on 1 April. It appeared she had slipped in and was unable to climb free by herself.

The walkers called the RSPCA and inspector Dale Grant went to the scene, and met the Dartmoor Commoners Council.

“Because the trapped pony was just a foal, he and one other person were able to help with the rescue without specialist equipment, and they were able to swiftly reunite the youngster with her mum who was watching close by,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Leats were historically used in the south and west of England to divert water for mining but this one was dry.

“It appeared the pony had taken an unfortunate slip down into the moat area, and was simply unable to climb out herself,” Mr Grant said.

“It’s not uncommon for the RSPCA to be contacted about large animals in need of help or rescue, and ordinarily, we’d need the assistance of the local fire and rescue service and their specialist teams and equipment to do this. Thankfully she wasn’t injured, just a little nervous, so we were happy to be able to help. It was lovely to watch her trot off to her mum.”

The RSPCA reminded walkers that local by-laws ban feeding the ponies on Dartmoor and that dogs should be kept under control near them and other livestock.

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‘I’m so proud of him’: meet Pirate Pete the one-eyed pony thriving after his rescue

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:57:34 +0000

One-eyed Pirate Pete the pony is thriving after an “awful start in life” thanks to the collaboration of charities that went to his rescue.

The coloured youngster, now two, was found last winter with one eye so badly ulcerated, it had to be removed. Thanks to the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, he now has a home and a secure future.

“Pirate Pete, as he’s fondly known, has adapted really well to life with one eye and has a bright future ahead at World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, in Norfolk,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“During the thick of winter, the charities worked together to rescue him after World Horse Welfare field officer Rebecca Carter found the tiny piebald cob fly-grazing in a huge open field in Gravesend, Kent, after he was reported to the charity in October last year.”

Rebecca said she could see how sore Pirate Pete’s eye was, adding that eye injuries should always be treated as veterinary emergencies.

“They’re incredibly painful and the sooner they’re checked, the better the chances of recovery or at least minimising the damage,” she said.

Rebecca contacted the RSPCA, which sent staff to the field along with a vet and the police. The pony was signed into the RSPCA’s care and taken to Lingfield Equine Vets.

“Sadly, Pirate Pete’s eye had been so extensively damaged because of the length of time that he had been left without treatment – thought to be around a month by the time he was found – that ultimately it had to be removed, despite the best efforts of vets to save it,” the spokesperson said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

RSPCA head equine vet Roxanne Kirton said as well as surgery to remove the eye, Pirate Pete had to be treated for strangles, and a related mass was removed from his throat area.

“It was a long journey for Pete but the teams worked incredibly hard to pull him through his ordeal,” she said. “Our thanks must go to our amazing supporters whose donations help us to pay for veterinary treatment for ponies like Pete.”

Once Pirate Pete was strong enough, he was moved to Hall Farm, having been signed over to World Horse Welfare by the RSPCA.

Senior groom Megan Jarvis, who has looked after Pirate Pete since he arrived at his new home, said: “I’m so proud of how he has come on since he got here.

“When he first arrived, he was really quite nervous and was having to adjust to life with only one eye. I’ve been amazed at how quickly he progressed once I got him into a routine of regular handling. He’s such a quick learner and very brave.

“Pirate Pete has also coped really well with being introduced to life in a herd despite his limited vision. We turned him out with just a few ponies first to see how he got on, but now he’s out with a big group of geldings and absolutely thriving. I think he’s a wonderful little boy – someone is going to have a really lovely pony when he’s ready for rehoming.”

An abandonment notice was left at the field where Pirate Pete was found, but no owner came forward to claim him, so the charities could not investigate further.

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Mum and daughter who left ‘dying’ pony in -6C ‘very regretful’ of their actions

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:09:34 +0000

A mother and daughter who left an emaciated pony to die in temperatures of -6C have been given suspended prison sentences.

Jewell, one of five equids kept by Chloe Hudson, 27, and Shantel Tansley, 46, at land in Broadhead Road, Bolton, had to be put down as she was in such a poor condition.

The pair, both of Ainsworth Lane, Bolton, admitted an animal welfare offence and were sentenced at Wigan Magistrates’ Court on 20 March.

The court heard the owner of horses kept on neighbouring land, who is also a vet, was so concerned about Jewell, she contacted the RSPCA on January 7, 2024. In a statement given to the court she said two bay ponies kept on the land were “skin and bone” and one (Jewell) “looked ready to drop”.

“Jewell’s condition worsened and the neighbour noticed she was suffering from diarrhoea and was uninterested in eating after she had offered to put hay out for the defendant’s equines during a period of snowfall a week later,” an RSPCA spokesperson said, adding that a couple of days later, the neighbour saw Jewell had collapsed.

“I ran down to the field and saw that the pony was laid on her side and not moving. She was breathing but she didn’t get up. The temperature was around minus six, it was freezing cold,” said the neighbour, who tried unsuccessfully to contact Hudson.

“The pony had profuse diarrhoea around her back end and on her tail and that had frozen to the ground. I was shocked by her condition.”

Warning: very distressing image

RSPCA inspector Jennie Ronksley, who investigated the case, said none of the equids kept in the field had natural or man-made shelter and the field was open to the elements; witnesses described 80 mph gusts of wind.

A vet who went to the scene said the pony was dying and he put her down. When he rolled her body over, the RSPCA spokesperson said, the “extent of emaciation became clear as her pelvic bone was protruding and femur was visible through wasted thigh muscle”.

“It was clear that this pony did not get into this condition overnight and with more timely intervention and treatment (for a possible parasite infection) there would have been a different outcome. Her owners were negligent in failing to move her to a more sheltered and warmer environment and failing to seek veterinary help,” the vet said.

In mitigation, the court heard Chloe Hudson and Shantel Tansley were both “very regretful” and had rehomed all the other equids they owned. Hudson was pregnant at the time of the offence and suffered from mental health issues, and Tansley has had treatment for cancer.

Both were banned from keeping horses for five years. Hudson was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and Tansley a 16-week prison sentence suspended for the same time.

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Laminitic pony in ‘extreme pain’ put down after owner refused veterinary treatment

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:18:03 +0000

The owner of a pony in “extreme pain” from laminitis, who ignored advice and refused veterinary treatment even when a charity offered to help with costs has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Freddie, a Welsh section A belonging to Daniel Robert Briggs, of Hawthorn, Appledore, had to be put down after he was signed into charity care, as his “suffering was too great and his prognosis was so poor”.

Briggs, 62, was sentenced at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 3 February, having pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a pony.

The RSPCA worked with World Horse Welfare to help Freddie, who had not had appropriate veterinary care for chronic laminitis.

An RSPCA spokesperson said World Horse Welfare field officer Rebecca Carter visited Freddie in a field in Pluckley, Kent, last February, after members of the public had thought the pony was in pain relating to his feet.

“Ms Carter confirmed Freddie had severely overgrown and distorted hooves but said Briggs did not take her advice and refused to call a vet out to see Freddie, so she contacted the RSPCA for further investigation,” the spokesperson said.

The court heard Briggs had owned the 18-year-old pony since he was a foal; the RSPCA spokesperson said Briggs told Ms Carter he had “always managed the laminitis on his own without any input from an equine vet or farrier”.

Warning notice

“Despite being issued a warning notice by the RSPCA and a vet visit on 25 February, Briggs refused critical diagnostic tests (bloods/X-rays) and proper management, claiming Freddie was fine,” the spokesperson said. “He also cancelled a follow-up vet appointment.

“When World Horse Welfare revisited on 18 March following reports that Freddie had been lying down for three days, Ms Carter found him still in extreme pain. She was unable to persuade Daniel Robert Briggs to seek urgent treatment, even when the charity also offered to contribute towards the costs.

“This led to a joint visit with the RSPCA and an independent vet, during which Briggs was found to have withheld prescribed pain relief. Following a veterinary examination, Briggs signed Freddie into the care of the charities, and the pony was then transported for urgent veterinary assessment.”

An equine vet who assessed Freddie said in a witness statement that his welfare needs were not being met.

“He was suffering due to unmanaged, chronic pain from laminitis, exacerbated by inappropriate environmental management and untreated endocrine disease,” the vet said.

“These issues were longstanding and recognisable to the layperson due to the obvious signs of pain, poor mobility, and visible hoof abnormalities. The animal had endured extended periods of pain and compromised mobility.

“His suffering would have been continuous, particularly in the absence of adequate pain control, and was entirely preventable through appropriate veterinary care and basic husbandry adjustments.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The spokesperson added: “Sadly, Freddie’s suffering was too great and his prognosis was so poor that the decision was made by the veterinary specialists and the two charities that the most compassionate course of action was to euthanise Freddie, to prevent him suffering any further.”

RSPCA inspector Kirsten Ormerod said this had been an “incredibly sad” case.

“As horse owners themselves, the welfare teams involved found it particularly upsetting to see a sweet, older pony suffering with laminitis despite offers of help and financial assistance,” she said.

“Laminitis is such a painful condition for equines – but one that can be successfully managed with appropriate veterinary care and treatment. Many horse owners are meticulous in managing conditions like this to make sure their animals live a good life, and so it was very sad to see Freddie had lived in pain.”

Ms Carter added that Freddie was in so much pain he could hardly stand.

“Finding Freddie in so much pain due to untreated laminitis was heartbreaking,” she said. “It’s one of the most painful conditions a horse can face and should be treated as a veterinary emergency. It was shocking that the owner failed to recognise this and denied Freddie the veterinary support he so desperately needed.

“It’s so frustrating because laminitis is both preventable and treatable. This sad situation could have been avoided had the owner listened to advice and, crucially, taken action. The seriousness of the situation has been reflected in the sentence given in court.”

In mitigation, the court heard that Daniel Robert Briggs cares for his wife and that vet advice was received but he disputes the recommended medication.

He was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and banned from keeping horses for five years. He was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £600 costs.

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‘This case still haunts me’: woman with life ban on keeping animals left horses to suffer alongside their dead companions warning: upsetting pictures

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:43:13 +0000

A woman who left 22 horses to suffer alongside the rotting bodies of others has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Kerry Anne Pickersgill and her daughter Ellie Newby, of Barnard Castle, County Durham, were sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday (13 February). Pickersgill, 48, had pleaded guilty to 15 offences relating to 22 horses and 21 dogs, and one count in relation to breaching a previous ban on keeping animals. Newby, 25, admitted two offences in relation to two dogs.

An RSPCA spokesperson said its officers and those from World Horse Welfare “encountered distressing scenes at the remote property; one officer describing the smell of rotting flesh”.

“Twenty two horses, some collapsed and the majority underweight, were found living alongside dead equines in filthy barns and stables,” the spokesperson said, adding that 21 dogs, “many matted with mouldy faeces”, were discovered in sheds and trailers.

The court heard a local authority animal welfare officer visited the farm last February in response to a call about sheep and asked the RSPCA for help, having found dead horses and others in “very poor health”. Welfare concerns were also raised about a large number of dogs in sheds, stables and trailers.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“At the top of the drive was a large area where items were being dumped,” the spokesperson said. “There was evidence of a fire having been lit, and among a mound of straw, wood and bedding material were the carcasses of at least two horses, one of which was partially charred.”

In written evidence, RSPCA inspector James Smith said that as he approached the mound, he could see equine bones.

“As we walked round the pile I came across bones from various parts of an equine’s body and a head,” he said. “These had been there for some considerable time as flesh had decomposed.

“I was then taken to a stable which had no lighting but I was still able to see a chestnut foal and its dead mother lying in the corner. This stable was filthy and deep in faeces. There was no fresh bedding for this live youngster but someone had dropped some hay on to the faeces and given water.”

Mr Smith said in a large shed next door, he found seven horses, some rugged, who appeared to be in poor condition.

“This shed was split in two and in the other section there were two young equines lying dead on the floor, a skewbald and a bay which still had a rug on it,” he said.

“The conditions were very poor, filthy and soaking wet with no clean bedding whatsoever. It was clear that the animals at this establishment could not stay like this.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The court also heard the dogs were living with “mouldy faeces”, in damp buildings and trailers.

Two vets and a dog behaviourist were asked to help, and confirmed the animals were suffering or likely to suffer, so they were seized.

The court was told 16 live horses were transported for immediate veterinary treatment. Six were owned by other people and on loan to the defendants.

“Eight of the horses were in such poor condition the vet who examined them recommended they be put to sleep to prevent further suffering,” the spokesperson said.

“Many had severely overgrown hooves, which in one case hadn’t been trimmed for three years, and teeth which hadn’t been seen for two years. Lice and worm infestations were rife and several horses’ coats were stained in faeces.”

In written evidence, a vet said none of the horses had a suitable living environment or enough food and most were underweight.

“One horse seen with a foal at foot would have taken a ‘minimum of 12 weeks’ to deteriorate to that condition, said the vet, while others were so hungry they were seen eating their own faeces,” the spokesperson said.

The vet added that had the horses been left in those conditions without treatment “they were all on the same conveyor belt of deterioration in health”.

“When animals died, it is clear they were left in the same stables they were contained in, despite other horses being in there,” the vet said.

Survivors

The surviving horses are being cared for by World Horse Welfare and a Shetland has since been rehomed.

Kerry Anne Pickersgill is said to have expressed regret about what happened and “the impact it had had on the animals and her family” and “apportioned the blame to herself for ‘putting herself in this predicament’”.

Newby, who had no previous convictions, was said to be under the influence of her mother. The court was told she had “significant problems” and had led a solitary existence.

RSPCA inspector Heidi Cleaver said all those at the scene were shocked.

“The images of starving horses standing alongside dead ones, and scores of nervous dogs living in near darkness, will stay with us all for a long time,” she said.

“Our thanks also go to our colleagues at World Horse Welfare for the incredible work they have done to get the surviving horses back to good health, and to the vets, the dog behaviourist and the police officers who worked with us on site until late in the evening.”

One of the youngsters taken in by World Horse Welfare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

World Horse Welfare field officer Seema Ritson added: “Finding numerous dead horses left where they’d fallen – the whole site reeking of rotting flesh – and starving equines shut in with no food, water, or light, was truly dreadful.

“Until I turned the torch on my phone on, I couldn’t even tell that there was a foal in one stable, standing on her own in the dark beside a dead mare. There are some cases that haunt me and this is one of them – the suffering here was horrendous.”

Kerry Anne Pickersgill, who had been banned from keeping all animals for life in 2015, was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 100 hours’ unpaid work and a six-month mental health treatment order.

Newby was given a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.

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Pony dumped in London ‘on the brink of death’ spends first Christmas in new home

Becky Murray — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:03:48 +0000

A pony dumped in a field in London “on the brink of death” has “beaten the odds to survive” and will spend Christmas in his new home.

Ronnie, thought to be a part-bred Hackney, was rescued from Cranford Park, Hillingdon, in March, by council staff, who contacted the RSPCA.

Ronnie was emaciated and was the weight of a pony half his size, the RSPCA said. He was suffering from equine flu and had a heavy worm burden, and blood tests showed a weak immune system.

“Despite being only two or three years old it is thought that he had been used as a driving pony and abandoned because he was too weak to carry on,” said an RSPCA spokesperson.

“He was brought into the care of the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre who worked as a team to bring Ronnie back from the brink of death.”

The centre’s yard supervisor Charlotte Neary said Ronnie had a body score of 0.5.

“The whole picture was quite shocking. Not only was he so young and underweight, but he’d obviously been expected to work as well and when he couldn’t, he was dumped,” she said.

“Ronnie has been the sweetest pony from the first day – everyone who spends time with him instantly falls in love. He was really shut down and very quiet but was still such a gentleman and let everybody treat him; the farrier, vet, dentist and the staff. It was like he wanted to take all the help because he knew he needed it.”

Ronnie was carefully managed back to health. After six weeks, he made enough progress to go into a bigger paddock with a pony called Frodo.

“As Ronnie grew stronger he became happier and started playing with other horses. But his mannerism never really changed, he was the perfect little gentleman. It’s the only way to describe him,” said Charlotte.

“He would give us a happy little whinny every morning and it was just so heartwarming to see him not only get better physically, but mentally as well. He put on 32kg in four weeks and this shows how incredibly underweight he had been.”

After four months in the care of the RSPCA Ronnie reached his ideal weight of 225kg.

“He proved to have quite the following on our Facebook page and our supporters were just incredible, they donated so many items for him such as rugs, fly masks, treats, enrichments and salt licks. We are incredibly grateful to our community for their donations and want to say a huge thank you to them,” said Charlotte.

“He had a massage kindly donated by Mary at Vitality Equine, who said some of his muscles were quite tight which would collaborate with the fact he was likely used as a driving pony, despite his young age.”

Ronnie in his new home. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ronnie was adopted by Kera Hodson and her mum Claire Preston, who have three other RSPCA rescue ponies.

“We saw Ronnie’s heartbreaking story on Facebook and knew we needed to help him. Kera set her heart on him and said ‘He’s coming home’,” said Claire.

“He has got a home for life and has slotted straight in. There’s always something very special about taking on a rescue and they know they have found their people. When we go to the field they all come running. To be abandoned and left – it breaks our heart to think what had happened.”

Claire said the family “can’t wait to celebrate Christmas” with Ronnie.

“He will be very spoiled just like his ‘siblings’ George, Splash and Shelly. They will have a special breakfast and lots of love,” she said.

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Equine welfare charities reflect on the challenges of 2025 – as the number of owners giving up their horses increases

Becky Murray — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:03:33 +0000

Financial challenges continue for horse owners, as equine welfare charities come under pressure too.

As 2025 comes to a close, charities have reflected on the year, citing rising costs across the board as an ongoing concern.

World Horse Welfare chief field officer Claire Gordon told H&H it had been a “challenging year”, exacerbated by the summer drought and its impact on forage yields.

“Charities are not immune from these challenges and the worrying impact we’re starting to feel is the resilience of the welfare sector shrinking – at a time when demand for our services is increasing,” she said.

“We’ve seen charities having to shut some of their centres, make redundancies, close to new intakes or decrease stocking levels to reduce running costs. Sadly, we’ve lost some charities who have closed permanently, finding the ever-increasing costs unsustainable.”

World Horse Welfare had rehomed 302 equines and taken in 200 by 30 November. Of the charity’s 2,200-plus rehomed horses and ponies, 155 were returned this year.

Ms Gordon reported that welfare cases involving large numbers of horses “continue to further deplete” rescue centres’ capacity.

“Some of the big operations have involved horses who have been sold or passed on by their owners to unknown fates, many later rescued from dealers and hoarding situations,” she said.

“We’ve also seen cases where owners and breeders have passed away or become very ill with no succession plan, leaving charities to pick up the pieces.”

This year Blue Cross launched a strategy, “designed to support private horse owners in times of need”. The charity took in 434 equines compared to 212 in 2024, the majority from private homes.

“There are many reasons owners are reluctantly having to relinquish their horses, but financial strain is the most common. Rising veterinary costs, combined with this year’s sharp increases in hay and straw prices, have placed significant pressure on households,” a Blue Cross spokesperson told H&H.

“To meet demand, the charity brings horses in for rehabilitation and rehoming, while also expanding its Home Direct scheme, which allows horses to remain in their homes while Blue Cross helps match them with new owners.”

Blue Cross reported a “dip” in rehoming figures, from 250 last year to 231 this year – thought to be “linked to the rising costs of hay, feed and winter care”.

By 30 November, Redwings had taken in 51 equines, down from 98 last year.

“While this is a big drop on recent years, this is unfortunately all the space we’ve had available. With around 1,200 existing residents, we must ensure we don’t compromise their continuing care over new intakes, and that has meant space has been very limited this year,” Redwings chief executive Lynn Cutress told H&H.

Redwings rehomed 93 horses and ponies by the end of November, compared to 88 in 2024.

“We are pleased these numbers have held steady and encourage anyone looking to take on a horse to consider Redwings, or another equine charity,” said Ms Cutress.

The RSPCA admitted 546 equines by 30 November and rehomed more than 200.

“2025 has been a challenging year for the RSPCA and other equine charities, as rising costs for hay, veterinary care and other essentials have driven up the cost of caring for horses. This comes at a time when the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact horse carers,” said RSPCA equine expert Mark Kennedy.

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Sisters ‘never intended to cause suffering’ but one horse put down out of 30 seized in major welfare case

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:59:02 +0000

A horse was put down and 29 more seized from two sisters who “never intended to cause harm or suffering”.

Rosie Nelson, 67, and her 74-year-old sister Violet Nelson, both of Houghton Road, Houghton, have been banned from keeping horses for eight years. The pair pleaded guilty to four animal welfare charges relating to 12 horses, at Carlisle Crown Court on 28 November.

The court heard that World Horse Welfare had alerted the RSPCA to concerns about a large number of horses at Low Woodbank, Briscoe, Carlisle. Representatives of both charities went to the scene with police and a veterinary expert in September 2023, and were “welcomed on to the site by the landowners who were not the owners of the horses”.

RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson told the court there were 30 horses on the site, 14 in a barn and 16 in a field.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“A vet examining the horses found a number to be suffering from ill health which had not been treated, including laminitis,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“One pony was found to be in such ill health that the vet decided the best option was to euthanise him on site to end his suffering.”

The vet said the pony’s spine, ribs and shoulder were very prominent and his neck was narrow owing to his poor condition. On the vet’s arrival, the pony was lying down in his pen.

“When he got up off the floor, he was in incredible pain and was rocking back off the front feet and trying to hobble to move,” the vet said. “The pony could only shuffle when moving and was unable to walk properly due to pain. When stood in the pen, he was weight-shifting and had a very painful facial expression.”

The pony had a heart rate of 68 bpm and a respiratory rate of 48 breaths per minute, which the vet said was a response to the “severe pain” he was in. An X-ray showed the pony had severe laminitis.

“This horse should have been receiving pain relief and euthanasia long before it got to this severe stage,” the vet said.

“The pony has suffered due to this condition for many months and likely extending towards a year. The hooves were severely overgrown and deformed and there was severe thrush in all four feet, which were packed deep with faeces.”

The other 29 horses were taken into charity care and many may now be rehomed as the court case has finished.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In mitigation, the court gave the sisters credit for their guilty pleas and heard they “realised in hindsight they should have done more and they never intended to cause harm or suffering”, the RSPCA spokesperson said.

“In sentencing, the judge said the root cause was incompetence rather than deliberate cruelty, but added it should have been obvious the care was inadequate”.

As well as the ban on keeping horses, the sisters were each given a 10-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £800 costs.

Mr Larsson said: “These horses were found with various health problems, for which veterinary treatment had not been sought, and sadly one pony was so poorly he had to be put to sleep. I am pleased that many of the ponies rescued are now in good health and will be rehomed.

“I would like to add how partnership working with other animal charities – in this case World Horse Welfare – is crucial, and we would like to thank them for their assistance as well as Cumbria police.”

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‘Think carefully about where horses you sell may end up’: warning to owners after six suffering equines owned by ‘horse trader’ had to be put down

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:34:55 +0000

Equestrians selling horses have been urged to take care over where they may end up, after six animals owned by a “horse trader” were found in such poor health, they had to be put down.

Edward Caulfield, of Bryn Place, Llay near Wrexham, was given a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping horses for 10 years, at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court on October 21. The 44-year-old had pleaded guilty to six animal welfare offences.

The court heard that when World Horse Welfare field officers went to his farm in Dark Lane, Rosett near Wrexham, last December, “there were obvious signs that horses were being neglected in filthy barns”, an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“Several were underweight and were suffering with dental issues and overgrown hooves as well as skin conditions, while some were lame and one foal was suffering with respiratory problems.”

The spokesperson said World Horse Welfare had raised concerns about equines on a visit to the farm a month before, but their condition had worsened, and a “very underweight” bay mare and her foal were of particular concern.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Field officer Rachel Andrews said: “I was shocked as the mare had little to no fat or muscle cover across her body. Her spine, ribs and pelvis were protruding and her foal’s condition had deteriorated. The area in which they were being kept was very dirty, and the ground was a mixture of mud and faeces.”

The World Horse Welfare staff were joined by the RSPCA and police at the farm the next day to seize the mare and foal so they could be checked by a vet.

“A chestnut mare and a bay mare, both of whose ribs, spine and pelvis were visible, another chestnut mare and a small bay mare suffering with facial swellings were also removed from the farm,” the RSPCA spokesperson said.

“The bay mare, who had a parasite infection, later collapsed and was put to sleep by an on-call vet. Her foal was struggling to breathe because of a neck swelling which had narrowed the trachea and a vet, who examined her a week later, decided that the kindest course of action was to put the foal to sleep.

“One chestnut mare was suffering with lameness and dental issues, a bay pony had a parasite infection and the other chestnut mare was lame and suffering with overgrown hooves. The sixth, a bay mare, was suffering with very overgrown hooves and dental and eye problems. A vet decided that the kindest thing was for all these four equines to be put to sleep to end their suffering.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“The vet concluded that the defendant had failed to provide proper veterinary and farrier care, parasite treatment, dental care as well as an adequate diet and a suitable environment for all six equines.”

In mitigation the court heard Caulfield, who it was said was a horse trader, had been experiencing personal problems as his wife and father had been ill.

The RSPCA inspector who investigated said: “These horses were found in dreadful conditions with various health problems, but their owner failed to take heed of the advice given to seek out vet treatment and their conditions deteriorated further.”

As well as the 10-year ban on owing horses, Caulfield was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 230 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £2,122.68.

World Horse Welfare director of UK Malcolm Morley, said: “We’d urge anyone considering selling a horse to think very carefully about where they may end up. We see all too many cases where formerly ridden horses have ended up in situations where their welfare has suffered.”

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How to change owners’ behaviour to make their horses’ lives better

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:28:17 +0000

Tools aimed at changing human behaviour could mean better lives for our horses – if the sector unites behind them.

Community interest company Human Behaviour Change for Life (HBCL) has created the toolkits for the RSPCA as part of its ongoing Horse Sense project. The first phase of this was research, which found that although the issues behind the original “horse crisis” had eased, the current crisis is that “most equines in England and Wales are not having their welfare needs fully met”.

The research found that lack of owner experience is a major barrier to good welfare, as is lack of turnout; the next stages of the project are about trying to improve the situation.

“We get so much from horses,” RSPCA senior scientific manager for equines Mark Kennedy told H&H. “We want that to continue, we want people to have fun with horses. But in return, it’s only right we make sure that those horses have good lives with us.”

In a webinar on 17 September, Dr Kennedy and representatives of HBCL talked through the research and the next steps.

HBCL co-founder Suzanne Rogers explained that as part of the research, the team spoke to varied focus groups.

“Everyone we talked to provided lots of suggestions, recommendations and ideas for what could be done to make things better for horses,” she said. The recommendations covered issues such as education and training and collaboration, not just between welfare organisations and the wider sectorwell , but with commercial companies to address gaps between available products for horses, and those from which horses benefit.

“If horses could order from a horse catalogue, what would they choose?” she added. “We thought, maybe not a huge amount. Societal approaches is another big theme; there were recommendations about recognition of the changing role of the horse in society. Before outward-facing activities to address those harmful societal norms can be considered, before we look outward, we felt the sector needs to look inward, to actively pledge to adopt certain actions ourselves.”

Harmful practices

She said all in the industry should adopt policies that acknowledge horses as sentient beings and referred to as such.

“There were a lot of suggestions about it being logical for the sector to work on a multi-stakeholder campaign to address the fact a lot of harmful practices are completely normal and accepted in the horse world,” she said. “There are lots of examples and recommendations; all those things we think of as normal in horse keeping, but really are harming or not safeguarding their welfare.

“So, whoever you are, whoever you represent, have a look at the [Horse Sense] report as there will be something there for you.”

Key in phase two, starting the change, is improving owner skills, which is the aim of the behaviour change toolkits. The first level is a one-page document setting out what horses really need for a good life, and challenging the user to make one change.

Not “educating” owners

Dr Kennedy said the idea is not to “educate” owners, as few owners feel they need education, but to encourage people not only to change that one thing, and more, but to start looking at horse welfare differently. The document could be displayed at livery yards, and one idea is to have an online wall on which people can post their pledges to change.

“One principle of behaviour change is, you make the change as easy as possible,” he said. “A good example is [running programme] Couch to 5k; it separates things into bite-size chunks to make it easy to change.”

The level two tool is more extensive and designed for yards, and perhaps vets and colleges, with the same idea of pledging change. This also includes plans for barriers to change, such as late nights and bad weather, and support for such incidents.

“It starts with making one change,” Dr Kennedy said. “But the hope is that by the time they get to the end of that toolkit, they will be thinking ‘What else can I change?’

“What governs animal welfare is what people do, so it’s people we need to work with.”

Work in progress

The basic tools are available, and have been trialled and modified, but they are a work in progress. Dr Kennedy said the hope is to have an app, and to get people talking about and using them.

“It’s absolutely not a case of ‘The tools are out there; deal with them, we’re moving on’,” he said. “That’s not horse sense; this project is a long-term thing.”

Dr Kennedy said the toolkits will be “embedded in” the RSPCA; at its centres and in advice given to struggling owners, and work is ongoing on training and support related to them. The aim will then be to share them with other organisations and stakeholders.

“These tools will hopefully drive a real paradigm shift in how we work with horses, help us really strengthen our relationship with them and ensure they have a good life,” he said.

“Let’s go from a situation of dealing with a crisis to taking preventative action to make sure these situations don’t develop in the first place. This research, these tools, are the very first steps in this collaborative mission. We all want to work together to build a good life for horses; we the RSPCA can’t do it on our own. Human Behaviour Change for Life can’t do it on their own. We all need to work together to drive a good life for horses.”

To find out more about the toolkits, email cad@rspca.org.uk

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‘Wanton neglect of hundreds of animals’: 59 horses among +450 animals seized in one of the worst cases the RSPCA has dealt with

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:09:55 +0000

A farmer who “wantonly neglected hundreds of animals” in one of the largest cases the RSPCA has ever dealt with has been jailed for a year and banned from keeping all animals for life.

Authorities who went to Croftfield Farm in Dawgates Lane, Skegby, near Sutton-in-Ashfield two years ago found a “foul smell” owing to the “appalling conditions” in which Lee Hayes, now 52, was keeping more than 450 animals.

About 70 horses and donkeys were seized in a multi-agency operation also involving The Donkey Sanctuary, Redwings, World Horse Welfare, Bransby Horses, the British Horse Society, Dogs Trust and Beauties’ Legacy. During the rescue, code-named Operation Teal, 455 animals of 19 different species were rescued, also including more than 50 dogs and puppies, more than 170 guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, small rodents, cats, poultry, exotics, birds, reptiles and a llama.

Hayes pleaded guilty to 25 animal welfare offences and was sentenced at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on 18 September. His girlfriend, 33-year-old Tammy Heath, of Moorland Close, Skegby, was sentenced on the same time, having pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences relating to failing to meet the needs of two dogs.

An RSPCA spokesperson said its officers went to the farm with Nottinghamshire Police officers, who were executing a warrant, on 1 November, 2023.

“Virtually all the animals had not received veterinary care and several had to be put to sleep to end their suffering,” he said.

“Hayes had claimed that circumstances at the farm had ‘all got a little out of hand’, but the district judge said he had ignored advice to make welfare improvements, including that from staff of the Donkey Sanctuary who had visited the farm in 2016, and the RSPCA.”

The case came to light after the founder of missing dogs’ charity Beauties’ Legacy, Lisa Dean, visited the farm in 2023 to investigate claims about a stolen dog, and Nottinghamshire Police raised concerns about the conditions.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“PC Jack Grace was overcome by a foul smell as he entered a barn ‘housing many dogs who were whining and some eating their own faeces’,” the RSPCA spokesperson said. “He reported Hayes to the RSPCA.”

On 1 November 2023, RSPCA inspector Laura Baker and her team found “many animals living in squalor”.

“Donkeys and horses were suffering from rotting feet without attention from a vet or a farrier,” the RSPCA spokesperson said. “Some were underweight and others had not received any treatment for parasites and proper dental care. Seven of the donkeys rescued had chronic hoof issues and are now in long-term care with The Donkey Sanctuary.

“Over half the 59 equines seized were of poor body condition, one donkey so lame that she was put to sleep to end her suffering. The floors of barns and enclosures were deep in faeces and stinking, mouldy forage. Most of the mares had mixed with stallions and were falling pregnant, adding to the growing numbers of equines.”

Equine vet Suzanne Green said the horses’ “severely overgrown” feet should have been seen by a vet and farrier and many of the donkeys and horses were underweight.

“There was an extensive failure to provide the most basic preventative health care requirements,” she said.

The RSPCA said dogs and cats were also found tethered or locked in the dark; one of the worst neglected animals was an elderly German shepherd who was struggling to walk; the RSPCA said Hayes “admitted the dog had not seen a vet and he ‘expected it to die that winter’”. This dog had to be put down.

“The court heard Hayes had collected all kinds of animals at his farm,” the RSPCA spokesperson said. “There were underweight birds and ducklings whose bodies and feet were stained with faeces; ferrets and rabbits were found living in filthy, maggot-strewn cages and enclosures; mice, pigmy squirrels and hamsters were kept in overcrowded cages inside the farm house and a Congo grey parrot was so stressed it pulled out half his feathers.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Hayes signed many of the animals over to the RSPCA, but the charity needed a court order to remove the horses and farm animals.

In mitigation, solicitor John Wilford said poor weather had worsened conditions on the farm.

“Over a period of time he became overwhelmed by the situation he found himself in, he has not acted maliciously,” he said. “All the animals he acquired came from people that knew he would take them on. He did not have the ability to say ‘no’.

“He should have accepted help as he did realise a number of animals the RSPCA rescued needed treatment.”

The district judge told Hayes: “When the RSPCA and police came they found no improvements. All the animals were still living in abhorrent conditions and severely neglected, which included unsanitary, overcrowded accommodation, dogs living in faeces and urine, goats with overgrown hooves, equines with thrush and cats with fleas and flu.

“A lot of this could easily have been prevented, but you wantonly neglected hundreds of animals of a wide range of species. You lack insight in the care of animals and you present a high risk of offending again as far as the welfare of animals is concerned.”

Heath’s solicitor said she accepted she kept her two dogs in inappropriate conditions but “she couldn’t use her father’s house as there was an ‘aggressive’ dog there”.

Learning from mistakes

“She has learnt from her mistakes,” the solicitor said.

Heath was given a 13-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was banned from keeping dogs for five years and will have to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

The district judge granted the RSPCA’s application for costs of £664,650 against Hayes and said the charity will have to seek recompense at the High Court. She made a collection order for £2,000 costs against Heath, and ordered Hayes to pay a victim surcharge of £187 and Heath a surcharge of £154.

A deprivation order on the remaining animals at the farm, understood to be about 200, was made; Hayes must set out what animals he still has, and this gives him or his associates six weeks to rehome them.

Ms Baker, who led the operation, said: “The conditions we found all these animals living in were absolutely appalling. The smell of manure hit as soon as you walked through the gate and the sheer volume of animals in dire circumstances was quite overwhelming. There was a very lame cow tied up in one of the barns that was the most broken animal I had ever seen. There was also a lamb I will never forget, her leg was swinging and the smell of infection from her was the worst thing ever; she’d been attacked by a dog some days before and just left suffering with multiple fractures.

“There were few signs any kind of animal husbandry had taken place. Many of the dogs for example were suffering from easily treatable conditions and the lack of veterinary care demonstrated the total disregard the defendant took to the animals’ welfare.

“Keeping large numbers of animals like this at one location is never a good idea as the resources required to give them a good life are unlikely to be found. The defendant also allowed the number of animals to grow, as for example mares were mixing with stallions and bitches were paired up with dogs.”

Tip-off

Ms Baker said the charity was grateful for the tip-off about the conditions at the farm.

“This meant alongside Nottinghamshire Police we were able to organise a rescue of over 450 animals with the assistance of our charity partners,” she said. “We split up into teams over two days to deal with different species and all the animals were systematically health checked and then taken to safe accommodation, where many were treated for their ailments and have since made a good recovery.

“Many of these animals have already been rehomed to enjoy better lives, both by the RSPCA and with the help of our charity partners.”

Redwings Horse Sanctuary vet and head of welfare and behaviour Nic de Brauwere added: “This was a very challenging two days working with often nervous and unhandled ponies and donkeys that were trapped in horrible living conditions. It was difficult to see just how poor their quality of life was. But being able to help them by supporting the vet assessments and then getting the equines onto the many horseboxes, knowing they were heading to a much brighter future, was very rewarding. I’m pleased that one of the ponies I got to work with will be finding his forever home with us here at Redwings.”

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Rescuers ‘horrified’ as neglected, underweight horse found almost bald from untreated skin condition warning: upsetting pictures

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:24:31 +0000

A horse whose skin was so sore, inflamed and broken that he was almost bald – and whose condition “horrified” those sent to rescue him – was put down after police were called.

Two people responsible for the care of Dynamite have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years. Wayne Kenneth Brown, 55, and 83-year-old Margaret Jean Southall, of Broughton Claverley, Wolverhampton, both pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences and were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 21 August.

“Dynamite was underweight and suffering from severe skin disease,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “He had hair loss, thickened skin, scabs, ulcers and bleeding from self-trauma due to intense itching.

“He also experienced diarrhoea and had gastric ulcers, likely due to a lack of adequate food. Sand was also present in his large intestine, and there was inflammation in his small and large intestines.”

Brown and Southall had not sought veterinary attention, the spokesperson said, and had “neglected basic preventative healthcare”.

RSPCA inspector Fiona Howell, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, was “horrified” by Dynamite’s condition.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He had 80% hair loss, and wounds covering his face, head and body; the worst of them on his rear end from the dock to his thighs, and on his forehead.

“The skin over his body resembled leather. He was visibly underweight and passing watery droppings in the form of diarrhoea. There was a large amount of mud and normal faeces in the field shelter. The gateway and area surrounding the field shelter was covered by deep mud which was difficult to walk through.

“He was standing with his hind quarters tucked under him. His ears were back and his muzzle tightly clenched. He was also grinding his teeth. He looked like he was in pain and uncomfortable.”

Ms Howell contacted police to seize Dynamite, and a horse transporter to take him to a vet, but Southall, the horse’s legal owner, took the decision to put him down on site.

A vet who examined the evidence on Dynamite’s condition after a post-mortem, said: “All the problems and suffering seen in Dynamite could all have been avoided by reasonable practical means. It is my expert opinion that the owner has not taken reasonable steps to meet the needs of the horses to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.”

Warning, graphic and distressing images

The court heard both were of previous good character, which was taken into account, and that Southall had been suffering from ill health at the time.

As well as the 10-year ban, which cannot be appealed for two years, Brown was given a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 80 hours’ unpaid work. Southall was also given a 12-month order and ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation days, and ordered to pay £200 costs.

Ms Howell said: “All animals deserve better than to have their suffering ignored. Those caring for animals have a responsibility to ensure the needs of their animals are met, which includes making sure they have a suitable diet and veterinary care for any health conditions.”

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Emaciated, wounded and suffering from strangles: tiny pony dumped and left for dead

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:51:14 +0000

The rescuers of a young pony “left for dead” at half his ideal bodyweight, wounded and suffering from strangles say he may not pull through, as they appeal for information on those responsible.

The RSPCA took in Casper, who was found by a member of the public in a field near Ambion Lane in Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire, on 23 July. He weighed 75kg – the RSPCA described him as “severely emaciated” – and had a large open, infected wound under his jaw.

“The RSPCA attended and contacted a vet to assess the pony and administer first aid,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “The police also attended to seize the pony, who is thought to be a three-year-old Shetland cross and only 8hh, and he is now in RSPCA care.

“Casper is currently under a vet and being cared for at a private boarding facility. His prognosis is sadly still uncertain at this stage.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Casper also tested positive for strangles on arrival.

RSPCA chief inspector Sarah Bate, said: “Poor Casper was in a terrible state when he was found; he only weighs around 75kg and a healthy pony of his size should be at least double that.

“He has a large gaping infected wound under his jaw and he is so emaciated you can see his bones. He is now in our care at a private boarding facility – his prognosis at this stage is still uncertain – but we are doing all we can to help him. He’s a sweet friendly boy and it’s so sad to think that he has just been abandoned alone.

“He was microchipped but it was not registered, so we are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

Anyone who has any information about Casper, or who saw anything relevant, is asked to call the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1585183.

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Court upholds lifetime ban for rescue centre owner who allowed horses to suffer

Becky Murray — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:52:41 +0000

A rescue centre owner who was banned from keeping animals for a life after two horses in her care had to be put down has had her sentence upheld following an appeal.

Lynn Haydon-Williams, 65, of Redgate, Hyde, Greater Manchester, was given the lifetime ban after she was found guilty of 13 animal welfare offences relating to horses, goats and a coatimundi (a member of the raccoon family) and sentenced on 28 March 2024. She was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

Haydon-Williams lodged an appeal against her convictions and sentence. On 3 July 2025 a judge at Manchester Crown Court quashed two of the convictions; failing to provide a suitable environment and keeping an animal listed as an invasive alien species, relating to the coatimundi.

The other 11 convictions were upheld; five relating to horses, three relating to goats, three relating to pigs and a charge relating to a hedgehog and tortoises. Haydon-Williams failed to get veterinary treatment for a gelding named Casper who was suffering from laminitis, and did not get dental treatment for Casper, a mare called Gemma and stallion called Deio. She failed to get the necessary treatment for Gemma’s sarcoids and did not address the cause of her lameness, and she did not meet Deio’s needs.

An RSPCA spokesperson said the charity identified several welfare issues at Haywill Animal Rescue and Therapy Centre’s sites at Glossop in Derbyshire and Broadbottom in Tameside, Greater Manchester during visits in 2020 and 2021.

“On several visits to the sites the charity’s officers found horses in poor conditions, one who was suffering with multiple tumours, and lame goats. There were also overweight pigs with hoof problems and arthritic coatimundi,” said the spokesperson.

At the previous hearing, the court heard that the RSPCA advised Haydon-Williams to seek veterinary care during visits to both sites.

On one occasion in May 2021, RSPCA Inspector Jessica Araujo found “goats with overgrown feet struggling to walk normally and grossly obese pigs”.

“Haydon-Williams was told that veterinary advice was that the horse covered with skin tumours should have been put down to end their suffering. But the equine, called Gemma, was not euthanised until after the RSPCA and Derbyshire Police secured a warrant to enter the centre in September 2022 when 10 goats, three horses, a pig and a coati were all removed,” said the RSPCA spokesperson.

“Another horse, called Casper, who was suffering with a severe foot condition was also put down as well as a pig suffering with overgrown feet. An emaciated pygmy goat and the coatimundi passed away later.”

In mitigation at the previous trial it was said that Haydon-Williams did “good work for many people for a long time” at the centre, but Covid had impacted on her finances lessening her ability to look after the animals.

The judge ruled Haydon-Williams’ sentence should remain, stating that it was “entirely appropriate”.

“Despite the poor condition of the animals we have no doubt that the defendant is someone who cares deeply about animals, including these animals,” the judge said.

Haydon-Williams was ordered to pay an additional £600 towards the costs of her appeal. The surviving animals, a horse and 10 goats, were rehomed by the RSPCA.

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Better education – not exams – for horse owners could be key to better welfare

Becky Murray — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 18:03:00 +0000

Lack of owner knowledge continues to be a major link to equine welfare concerns – as researchers find licensing alone may not be the solution.

In a study published in Animals, researchers from the University of Edinburgh looked at equine welfare concerns in the UK by reviewing existing literature. The most common causes of poor welfare were “dominated by management and training practices” and the highest cited barrier to good welfare was “lack of knowledge, followed by a lack of understanding by horse owners”.

The successes and limitations of education and horse owner licensing as possible solutions to welfare concerns were analysed, following the introduction of mandatory licensing for horse owners in France, announced in 2022 (news, 13 January).

Lead author Aurelia Hall-Bromley told H&H she wanted to look at whether licences could make a difference, and whether there is evidence in the literature to suggest “licensing would have a material benefit in the day-to-day lives of our horses”.

“We know there’s not much evidence to suggest that just licensing on its own would enhance owner knowledge or ability and skill. It would need to be supported by an educational framework, because just applying for a licence doesn’t teach anybody anything,” she said, adding that licensing could be useful in cases of welfare offences – but for everyday owners education remains key.

“If someone has committed an offence you could suspend or withhold that licence. But even with the limited literature on licensing, we can say with confidence one of the limitations is enforcement. We know our resources are already stretched thin when it comes to animal welfare, so putting an even bigger burden on that would be an enormous undertaking.

“From our review, licensing doesn’t have as much promise as education; there’s a lot of welfare studies that are in favour of more regulation, but the literature indicates this is most effective when supported by education. We also can’t overlook the fact that there is a lot less available literature with regards to licensing.”

Mrs Hall-Bromley said a lot of research has been on understanding horse welfare and recognising owner knowledge gaps and behaviour change concerns, but there is still work to be done.

“We now really need to look at ‘How do we educate more effectively? How do we make sure key messages are reaching people?’ so we can say ‘This is what is going to make a difference’,” she said.

Read the full study

The RSPCA’s equine specialist Mark Kennedy told H&H this research aligns with the charity’s Horse Sense report, which explored “the complex nature of equine welfare in England and Wales and the diverse issues different equine groups must consider” (news, 20 March).

“While there’s no single solution, both studies underscore the encouraging potential of education to improve horse welfare,” he said, adding that it was “important to acknowledge that there are many good horse owners out there”.

“We should be striving for a society where horses are treated as sentient beings and live good lives, but this requires collaborative effort from all stakeholders – welfare organisations, equestrian groups, colleges, media, and most importantly owners,” he continued.

“Crucially, both reports indicate that significant work can be done to drastically improve the lives of all horses, marking a positive step towards better equine welfare.”

In France, the introduction of a certificate of knowledge for horse owners was launched to “combat animal abuse and strengthen the link between animals and humans”, a change the French equestrian federation said had been “long-awaited by the equine sector”.

Last month the topic of qualifications to own horses was discussed by stakeholders following World Horse Welfare’s annual survey of the public’s attitudes to involvement of horses in sport (news, 12 June).

During a panel discussion, British Equestrian eventing performance director Dickie Waygood said he believes owners should have a certificate or licence to own a horse but the challenge is regulating and funding it, suggesting riders could have to pay for the exam and registration.

”The only way you’ll be able to regulate this is if you have to pass an exam to own a horse and there’s a register. I can’t see any other way of doing it effectively,” said Dickie.

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Teenage pony left tied up in a car park with infected, maggot-infested wound had to be put down warning: upsetting picture

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:01:10 +0000

A veteran pony found tied to a car park fence, with a maggot-ridden infected wound caused by a tight headcollar has had to be put down.

The RSPCA is appealing for information on the Shetland mare, who was discovered by members of the public in Watery Lane, Foots Cray, near London, yesterday (9 June).

The chestnut, who was thought to be in her late teens, was emaciated and in pain. She was not microchipped.

“It was incredibly sad to find this poor pony in such a bad way,” said RSPCA animal rescue officer Adam Tasker.

“When I arrived, officers from Kent Police had untied the pony and provided her with some water, but it was clear that the wound to her head caused by the tight-fitting headcollar was very severe, and we had no doubt she was in a lot of pain. It was also clear she was very underweight too.”

Mr Tasker called a vet, who confirmed that the wound to her neck was very deep and infected with maggots. The pony also had painful wounds to her legs and feet.

“The pony’s heart rate was abnormally high, likely due to the infection, and the vet found she had prominent mobility issues concerning her back legs,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “Sadly, the vet concluded the pony was suffering and made the decision that the kindest course of action was to euthanise her as a result.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mr Tasker said it was very sad the pony could not be saved.

“We fear someone deliberately left her tied to the fence in the car park which is such a sad thing to do to an already suffering pony,” he added.

“During 2024, my RSPCA colleagues across England and Wales attended 22,503 incidents involving an abandoned animal, just like this pony. It’s never okay to abandon an animal, and I am keen to hear from anyone with more information about how this pony ended up like this.”

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA appeal line in confidence, on 0300 12 8018.

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‘Discarded like rubbish’: foal found dumped in ditch may not have been dead when abandoned warning, upsetting picture

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:28:38 +0000

A tiny foal who was tied to a post and “discarded like rubbish for someone else to deal with” may not have been dead when he was dumped.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of the skewbald colt was found in a ditch near the entrance of a nature reserve in Bowers Gifford, Basildon, Essex on 4 or 5 May.

“The young foal had been tied to a sign post by some blue rope, which was also attached to the foal’s legs,” a spokesperson for the RSPCA said.

“It is suspected that his body was driven to the location on a trailer or truck by those responsible, who then tied rope from his legs to the post and drove away, dragging his body out of the vehicle on to the floor.

“The foal had some wounds to the front legs and back of rear legs and scrapes to the side of the body and there was also evidence of wood shavings on the coat. It is not known if the foal was dead at the time he was dumped.”

Warning, upsetting picture

The spokesperson said it is not uncommon for welfare charities to be called about dumped dead horses as “disposing of a horse’s body has cost implications which means dead horses are often discarded like rubbish”.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Joe White, who is investigating the incident, said: “It’s incredibly sad to think this poor foal had died and those who were meant to care for him just dumped his body for somebody else to deal with in such a public place, it’s hugely irresponsible.

“We do not know the cause of death or if he was dead or alive at the time he was dumped, but we are keen to find out more about this poor foal. How his body came to be dumped here, and who owned him as the circumstances in which his body was disposed of is suspicious.”

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA in confidence by calling the inspector appeal line on 0300 1238018, quoting incident reference 01511198.

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Stallion left ‘suffering for weeks’ with a hole in his face had to be put down

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:47:15 +0000

A woman who left a stallion with a hole in his face, having failed to seek veterinary care for an “obvious fracture”, has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Andrea Parry-Jones, of Carreg y Gad, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on 27 March. The 35-year-old had pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences relating to a stallion called Ross, who was put down as a result of his injury.

In a statement to court, RSPCA inspector Mark Roberts said he was asked by Anglesey Trading Standards to visit a pony in “very poor condition”, last February. He found the stallion wearing two rugs but said it was “very clear he was thin”, and that when he slid his hands under the rugs at the shoulder, he could feel the bones.

“The pony also had a hole in its forehead just left of centre, [which] looked to be about half an inch deep and was scabbed over,” he said. “Some yellow discharge was observed coming from the left nostril of the pony.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said a vet came and removed the rugs to reveal a “very thin pony”, and completed a certificate to state that in her opinion, the pony was suffering and should be removed for veterinary care.

“Police took the pony into possession under the Animal Welfare Act 2006,” the spokesperson said. “The pony was transported to a private equine boarding establishment… where a specialist equine vet attended to examine Ross. Blood and faecal samples were taken and X-rays were taken of the pony’s skull to determine the depth of the hole in its head.”

The vet gave Ross a cody condition score of 0.5 on the 1-5 scale.

In her statement, she said: “[He] had a prominent spine, ribs, pelvis, shoulder and caudal tail head. There was marked muscle wastage under the tail and the neck was very narrow. In my opinion, it has taken a minimum period of eight weeks for this horse to become so poor but likely longer. This has caused suffering for a minimum period of four weeks.”

Mr Roberts said that after the vet cleaned the injury, bubbles could be seen coming from the hole between the stallion’s eyes as he breathed. He said Ross was also suffering from rain scald.

Ross was taken to Leahurst Equine Practice for a CT scan, on the vet’s recommendation.

“The report confirms that the horse had a fracture of its frontal bone, which created a hole that communicated the outside of the horse with the frontal sinus,” the vet’s statement read.

“There were multiple fragments of bone from the fracture site, within the frontal sinus. There was soft tissue swelling around the fracture site.

“The edges of bone had new bone formation showing that the injury was chronic in timescale. In my opinion, this injury was approximately four weeks in age and the trauma and injury was painful for the horse and had caused suffering for this period.

“There were fragments of bone within the frontal sinus from the injury, which would have required surgery to remove if the horse was to recover from this injury.”

The RSPCA spokesperson said this surgery had an uncertain outcome, and was risky owing to Ross’s condition, “with a poor prognosis for recovery”.

“Therefore it was decided by a veterinary expert that to prevent further suffering Ross would be put to sleep,” the spokesperson said. “This was agreed by the owner Parry-Jones.”

In mitigation it was heard that Parry-Jones had genuine remorse.

Parry-Jones was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

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Curling hooves, maggots and ulcerated mouths in nine neglected horses rescued

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:16:49 +0000

Two of nine “severely neglected horses” rescued from a couple who admitted failing to meet their needs had to be put down.

Ann Duckitt, of Kirkhouse Green, Doncaster, and John Watson, of Linton Gardens, Darlington, were sentenced on 19 March at Doncaster Magistrates’ court, having pleaded guilty to welfare offences.

“Duckitt and Watson disputed or were unclear about the ownership of each of the nine horses,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

Officers from the RSPCA, an equine expert from World Horse Welfare and a vet went to Duckitt’s home and nearby sites to check the horses in May and June 2023.

Lynsey Harris, chief inspector for the RSPCA’s South Yorkshire inspectorate group, said: “These poor horses were badly neglected with severely overgrown hooves and unsanitary living conditions.

“The equine vet who examined them reported that all nine had overgrown hooves, some so severe that hooves were curling under or over the foot, making them lame. In her opinion, most had never in their lives been seen by a farrier.

“They were living in terrible, cramped and unsanitary conditions on bedding that in some cases was a two-foot (60 cm) high pile of faeces and old straw. This had resulted in severe thrush, infections and maggots in the feet of some of the horses.

“A suspected lack of dental care had led to some of the animals having severely sharp teeth and ulcerated mouths, and infestations of mites were making them itch.”

The vet concluded that the owners had failed to meet the needs of the nine horses by failing to ensure a suitable environment, correct body condition, adequate hoof or dental care, failing to treat thrush or lice and failing to provide treatment for lameness or adequate veterinary care.

Picture by World Horse Welfare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“In her opinion, five of the horses had also been caused unnecessary suffering,” the RSPCA spokesperson said. “Sadly, two of the worst affected horses had to be euthanised.”

World Horse welfare field officer Sarah Tucker said the charities had been visiting for “several years”, advising and educating the owners in hope the situation would improve.

“Most owners are usually happy and willing to work with us, actioning our recommendations to improve the lives of their ponies, but on this occasion the advice had gone unheeded to the point some of the ponies were actually suffering,” she said. “Unfortunately, the only outcome to this case was to assist in removing the ponies alongside the police and RSPCA.

“Three of the ponies were taken into our Penny Farm Rescuing and Rehoming Centre for rehabilitation and have since been found loving new homes.”

Ms Harris added that is it horse owners’ legal responsibility to look after animals in their care.

“Sadly, many of these horses suffered because of their owners,” she said.

Picture by World Horse Welfare (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I implore owners to be realistic about the care they can provide, both physically and financially for any animal in their care. If they are unable to meet their needs, they need to take action, rather than leave them to suffer.”

In mitigation, it was said that Duckitt, 64, had no previous convictions and had provided well-meaning but incompetent care. She accepted she was wrong.

Watson, 48, said he was trying his best while juggling work and family commitments and had poor mental health. A lapse of judgement was referenced, consistent with well-meaning but incompetent care.

Both were banned from keeping equines for 10 years. Duckitt was sentenced to 12 weeks’ prison, suspended for 12 months, and order to carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work and pay £400 costs and a £154 surcharge. Watson was given a 15-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 40 hours’ unpaid work and pay £750 costs and a £154 surcharge.

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41 neglected horses including pregnant mares and foals removed from breeder in ‘very sad case’

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:24:29 +0000

A breeder who neglected more than 40 horses including pregnant mares and foals in a “very sad case” has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Thomas Nicholas, of Bickerton, Cheshire, was sentenced at Chester Magistrates’ Court on 26 March, having pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences.

The RSPCA and World Horse Welfare went to Nicholas’s farm in February 2024 with police, who removed 41 horses from the site.

An RSPCA spokesperson said these included mares and their foals, and pregnant mares. Some horses were kept on loan and others were owned by Nicholas.

The court heard the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare field officers found the horses kept in locations including “filthy” stables, and that many of them, including some of the foals, had ailments including poor body condition, rain scald and lice infestation.

In her witness statement, RSPCA inspector Nadine Pengilly said one of the stables, which housed one mare, was “very dirty with several weeks worth of faeces and there was no water or fresh hay provided”.

She added: “The next stable contained a bay mare and she had a young foal with her, and both were in poor body condition. There was no water provided for them or any fresh haylage, and when given water, the mare and foal drank ravenously. The foal did collapse on several occasions due to him being very weak, and the mare had rain scald and lice. The environment was also dirty with no clean bedding provided.

“The next stable contained another black mare who was also in very poor body condition and had rain scald and lice. Her stable was also very dirty with weeks’ worth of dirty bedding and faeces, and she had no water or access to any fresh hay.”

The horses were removed by the police and put into RSPCA and World Horse Welfare’s care.

After sentencing, RSPCA inspector Will Lamping said: “This was a very sad case to investigate, and it was difficult to see such a large number of horses and foals living in poor conditions. Nicholas failed to meet the needs of the horses in a number of ways, from failing to provide a suitable environment, veterinary care, adequate endoparasite treatment, a suitable diet to ensure correct weight, adequate water, dental care and hoof care.

“Providing all of these is part of basic horse care and it was essential that action was taken to ensure the horses’ welfare going forward. We’re so grateful to Cheshire police as well as our colleagues at World Horse Welfare for working with us to secure the welfare of his large number of horses. Between our two charities, we’ve seen some great improvements in the horses since being under our care. It is a case that shows how successful partnership work can be when it comes to animal welfare.”

World Horse Welfare field officer Rae Andrews said this is another sad case of tens of horses’ being removed rather than one or two, something that has become more common.

“When animals are merely viewed as commodities, as was apparent in this case, the care and attention they need is often lacking,” she said. “In this case, it was highlighted by the horses’ high worm burdens and poor dental health, and some of the individuals were amongst the thinnest I’ve seen in my time as a World Horse Welfare field officer.

“I must commend the support provided from the other agencies involved and the teamwork between us was excellent. It goes without saying that all of us involved welcome the lifetime ban on keeping animals that was handed out as part of the sentencing.”

It was noted during sentencing that Nicholas had a low risk of reoffending. He was given six weeks’ custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, with 100 hours of unpaid work, and to pay a victim surcharge of £154. He was banned from keeping horses indefinitely.

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‘She should have been treated immediately’: injured horse left to suffer could not be saved

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 20:21:48 +0000

A man who left a horse without vet treatment for an injury so severe she had to be put down has been banned from owning animals for 10 years.

David Christopher Jones, of Little Baddow, Chelmsford, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 12 March. The 78-year-old admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his mare Tara.

An RSPCA animal welfare officer said he first saw her last May, after the charity had been contacted by someone concerned about the mare’s welfare.

“I observed a black mare with an injury to her back left leg, from a footpath at the side of Chapel Lane,” the officer said. “The mare appeared unable to bear weight on her leg and I could see a large wound with blood and pus visible. She was lean and had patches of fur loss on her sides and back with patches of missing skin, and her hips and ribs were protruding.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The welfare officer saw the mare being “harassed and bitten by a stallion in the field”. He contacted a vet and Essex Police.

Officers arrived and took the mare, putting her into RSPCA care. Jones arrived at the scene later

“After examining the mare, the vets recommended to Jones that the mare should be put to sleep as her injury was so severe, and he gave his consent for her euthanasia,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

In a statement to court, the vet said Tara had a swollen fetlock and tendon sheath, and a “granulated wound that was discharging serum and pus, as well as multiple old and fresh superficial abrasions over her body”.

“The wound would likely have been painful from the moment it occurred,” the statement said.

Warning, graphic image

“She was of body condition score 0/5 and was varying between 8/10 and 10/10 lame on the injured leg, and in my opinion she was severely suffering due to the wound on her leg and should have received treatment immediately following injury.

“The poor body condition of the horse also indicates the suffering of the mare was likely such that she was not able to receive sufficient nutrition on her own. Due to the body condition of the mare I suspect malnourishment and therefore suffering for a longer time period.”

After sentencing, RSPCA inspector Emma Beynon, who investigated the case, said: “It was incredibly sad to see Tara existing with such a painful leg injury, and in such poor body condition.

“It’s essential that struggling animal owners reach out and ask for help to prevent their animal from suffering needlessly.”

In mitigation, the court heard Jones cares for his wife, loves his animals and does what he can but “accepts he fell short on this occasion, and is sorry for the harm caused”.

He was disqualified from owning all animals for 10 years, which he cannot appeal for five years. He was fined £429 and ordered to pay costs of £300 and a £172 victim surcharge.

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Some 90 horses removed from farm in major welfare operation after concerns raised

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:38:01 +0000

Some 90 horses were in the process of being removed from a farm in the Midlands yesterday (20 March) in a major multi-agency operation.

West Mercia Police and the RSPCA were involved in the removal, from a site near Bewdley on 19 March.

A spokesperson for the police told H&H yesterday: “We were called to reports of a concern for animal welfare at a farm site on Northwood Lane, Bewdley.

“Officers were yesterday (Wednesday 19 March) assisting the RSPCA in the removal of around 90 horses from the location in an operation which will continue today. No arrests were made.”

An RSPCA spokesperson added: “The RSPCA working in collaboration with other equine charities joined West Mercia Police as they attended an address in the Bewdley area on Wednesday, 19 March.

“A number of horses and two dogs were removed. As this is an ongoing investigation we are unable to release further information at this time.”

World Horse Welfare was also at the scene.

The operation came a week after five others and 38 dogs were removed from a “puppy farm” not 20 miles away. Police from Bridgnorth’s safer neighbourhood teams went to the site near Bridgnorth with RSPCA and Environment Agency staff.

“In the morning, a stolen vehicle from the West Midlands was recovered and valuable intelligence was gathered,” a police spokesperson said.

“The police seized a total of 38 dogs from a puppy farm and five horses, before handing them to the RSPCA where they have been taken away so that their health and welfare can be evaluated.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “A large number of dogs and puppies, and a small number of horses, have been removed from an address in Bridgnorth by RSPCA officers along with police, and they are now being looked after under RSPCA care. Enquiries are ongoing and we are unable to comment further at this time.”

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Experts call for change as animal welfare law system is lacking

Becky Murray — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:13:54 +0000

Calls have been made for a review of the enforcement of animal welfare legislation – as the current system is “lacking”.

On 24 February the Government’s animal sentience committee published an independent report on the “compliance and enforcement” of animal welfare regulations.

The report highlighted issues including inconsistencies in monitoring and enforcement of the legislation, discrepancies in actions taken by the different agencies responsible, and in welfare inspector training.

Among the topics, the committee addressed reporting and prosecutions, stating that it was “striking” that in the UK many potential welfare breaches are directed to an animal welfare charity such as the RSPCA rather than a Government agency – and that “if charitable donations were to diminish, capacity to deliver this public service could not be relied upon”.

The report said the “landscape of enforcement has recently changed”, as the RSPCA, previously responsible for a large proportion of animal welfare prosecutions, explored the possibility of ceding this to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). But it added that, “it was unclear whether the CPS has the necessary resource or expertise to assume this responsibility, and whether this is likely to become adopted policy”.

“The RSPCA has indicated a rise in animal welfare offences linked to organised crime, which it feels ill-equipped to take on through private prosecution; this would suggest a need for the state to take a greater role to protect animal welfare,” said the committee.

An RSPCA spokesperson told H&H the charity agrees with the report’s assessment that the state should play a bigger part in prosecutions.

Active discussions

“Although the CPS is the statutory body with responsibility for criminal prosecutions, the RSPCA currently undertakes 85% of animal welfare cases. For the last two years, we have been actively discussing the transferral of our prosecutions to the CPS with the Government,” said the spokesperson.

“We have a 200-year history of investigating and prosecuting in this crucial area and until the UK Government allows us to transfer our prosecutions to the CPS, we will continue to responsibly bring cases.

“Wherever possible, we work with owners to improve welfare for their animals, through education, support and advice, which means less than 1% of reports of cruelty and neglect result in prosecution. When we do take a prosecution, we apply the same robust tests as the CPS and have safeguards, including independent solicitors who review our cases and an independent oversight panel.”

The spokesperson added that the RSPCA’s prosecution success rate is more than 90%.

The committee’s report concluded that “although due regard to animal welfare has been given in policy decisions, the current structures are, in part, inconsistent for effective enforcement of animal welfare”.

It said that although progress has been made, including the updated sentencing guidelines and introduction of fixed penalties, the committee considers that “an effective, structured, fair and integrated system of animal welfare surveillance and enforcement is lacking”.

The committee recommended a “wholesale review” of animal welfare enforcement to provide a resource for policymakers, improve or enhance delivery of current legislation and “maintain public trust in the enforcement process”.

Suggestions include creating a central body responsible for coordinating animal welfare law surveillance and implementation, setting out minimum resource allocation for animal welfare enforcement – including budgets for training, creating a centrally recognised mechanism for reporting welfare offences, and appropriate and effective use of fixed penalty and improvement notices.

Review welcomed

Kim Ayling, World Horse Welfare’s head of public affairs, told H&H the charity supports the recommendations “overall” and “wholeheartedly welcomes” a review.

“Equine health and welfare laws are worthless if they are not backed up by robust and consistent enforcement,” she said.

“From our own experience, the lack of any prosecutions around the recent cases of horse smuggling highlights there are significant concerns with enforcement. These are due to inconsistencies in interpretation and implementation of legislation, gaps in information and intelligence sharing across enforcement agencies and a lack of adequately trained and resourced animal welfare officers.”

Ms Ayling added that World Horse Welfare was “disappointed” the report did not include the suggestion of a centralised system for people banned from keeping or caring for animals.

“We are aware of a number of recent equine welfare cases where it has been challenging for authorities to establish whether an individual was banned from keeping those animals,” she said.

“As part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW), we are working with local authorities and other welfare charities to implement one of the key recommendations of APGAW’s report Improving the Effectiveness of Animal Welfare Enforcement to set up a panel of representatives from local authorities engaged in enforcing animal welfare law to cover not just farm animals but companion and exotic animals, too.

“This would allow them to work collaboratively to share information, best practice and ensure better consistency in their approaches.

“While we welcome the points laid out in the report to protect equine welfare, we would like to see a ring-fenced budget to support these measures. A centralised and digitalised ID and traceability system is also essential for enforcement, as we know without it horses are vulnerable to suffering at the hands of those that see them merely as commodities.”

A Defra spokesperson told H&H the government “welcomes” the committee’s report and will be “considering all recommendations carefully”.

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Lack of turnout and owner knowledge mean ‘most horses’ do not get what they need

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:39:18 +0000

Lack of turnout and a dearth of owners with appropriate experience are among the drivers of the current equine welfare crisis – as most horses’ needs are not being met.

The RSPCA has published Horse Sense, a comprehensive report commissioned by the charity and carried out by the University of Bristol, Human Behaviour Change for Life and University College Dublin.

The aim was to address the situation known as the “horse crisis” for years – and it found that although the original welfare issues have eased, “most equines in England and Wales are not having their welfare needs fully met”.

Welfare issues include lack of turnout, obesity, limited social interaction, “rough handling” and poor owner recognition of stress, pain and quality of life. The research indicated four key drivers (see below).

“We’re hoping to start the conversation with stakeholders about how we can work together to build a good life for horses,” RSPCA senior scientific manager for equines Mark Kennedy told H&H. “I think we all accept; the RSPCA certainly accepts, that horses are life-enhancing, and they bring an awful lot of people a lot of benefit and a lot of pleasure. It’s really important we all, in recognising that, work together and have an open and honest conversation about how we can ensure that we get a good life for horses. That’s the key thing.”

The term “horse crisis” was initially used by welfare charities in about 2012, owing to the number of equids needing charitable support since the financial crisis. But although the number of horses taken into RSPCA care has dropped to below 2013 figures, “many horses continue to suffer at the hands of their owners”, the report states.

The researchers gathered information from scientific and other literature, data from welfare charities, local authorities and equestrian organisations, as well as an online survey and investigation of horses for sale advertising.

It was found that the horse crisis, “originally rather loosely defined as over-breeding, over-population, neglect and abandonment, has eased, although it is not eliminated”.

“Rather, now, a diversity of equine welfare issues exists,” it states.

“Equine welfare is impacted by a complex, multi-faceted system… Unlike in 2012, it is not only horses used for particular disciplines, or particular breeds, or those owned by particular communities. Most equines in England and Wales, across all sectors of society, do not have the opportunity to experience a good quality of life.”

Lack of basic knowledge

The research found “a lack of basic knowledge and experience” in many people caring for horses; suggested reasons for this include the reduction in number of riding schools, and of opportunities for people to work on yards to gain experience, and issues in college training. It found this lack of knowledge can mean owners cannot read equine behaviour, so do not recognise stress, fear or pain.

It also found that many riders struggle to find yards offering turnout, or to access fields to rent, and a “strong theme of unintentional neglect” of horses, owing to inexperience, or lack of consideration of equine welfare in decision-making.

The report concludes that “the scale of change necessary to achieve a good life for equines should not be underestimated”.

“Tackling the equine welfare crisis such that all equines have the opportunity to experience a good quality of life requires strategic, radical change and is reliant upon legislative, policy, attitude and behaviour change with commitment from key partners and stakeholders to work in collaboration,” states the report, adding that action must be taken by local and national government, welfare charities, equestrian organisations, colleges – and all owners and keepers.

Dr Kennedy stressed that starting the conversation with all these stakeholders is key, and working towards practical solutions, such as protecting land for equine turnout, or looking into options where space is limited but horses can still access the three Fs – friends, freedom and forage – that are a necessity for good welfare. The RSPCA has also long advocated for animal welfare to be part of the national curriculum.

“We want to work together with welfare charities, and organisations; the British Horse Society, Pony Club, British Equestrian, to get us all talking about what parts of this report we can all work on to make a better life for horses,” he said. “Colleges are really important in terms of education, in horse care and knowledge, but also in practical skills of how to look after horses. And of course the ultimate stakeholders are the horses themselves.

“That’s why we want to start this conversation. We want people to read the report, think about it, and contact us. Then we can talk about how we can work together to put some of these recommendations into practice.”

Strengthening the bond

A spokesperson for the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) told H&H NEWC welcomes the report and “commends its focus on strengthening the horse-human relationship to improve equine welfare”.

She noted that the findings and recommendations align with those in the NEWC review of 2024. This highlighted that horses thrive if they have the three Fs, and “inadequate provision of these essentials leads to chronic stress and compromised welfare, mirroring the RSPCA’s findings that a lack of turnout, social interaction and appropriate nutrition are widespread welfare concerns”.

The NEWC report also looked at horse-human interactions, “revealing that many routine practices can inadvertently result in negative experiences for horses”.

“Both reports converge on the urgent need for systemic change across the equine sector,” the spokesperson said. “NEWC stands ready to work alongside the RSPCA and other stakeholders to implement these recommendations, advocating for evidence-based practices that pave the way towards a future where all horses experience a life worth living. Together, we can turn these insights into action, ensuring equine welfare is prioritised, understood, and safeguarded at all levels of human interaction.”

The key drivers

A proliferation of horse keepers lacking in practical knowledge, skills and experience
A mismatch of the supply and demand of certain equine types
A lack of equine-keeping facilities with adequate provision for turnout, grazing and socialisation.
A lack of provision for the lifetime welfare of all equines, including planning and careful decision-making from birth to death

Read the report in full

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‘Well intentioned but incompetent care’ means equines left to suffer

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:46:27 +0000

The owner of two donkeys who were left to suffer owing to “well intentioned but incompetent care” has been banned from keeping donkeys for five years.

David Donaghey, of Ascot Gardens, Gateshead, was sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on 27 February. The 40-year-old had pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, at a previous hearing.

The court heard the two female donkeys, who were mother and daughter, were underweight, with “severely” overgrown hooves and sharp teeth; the older one, Molly, had an ulcerated mouth as neither she nor her daughter had had dental care for “a number of years”.

The court heard that RSPCA inspector Ian Smith had gone to a field in the Haggs Bank, Wylam, area on 27 March last year after reports had been made about the welfare of two skewbald donkeys.

In his written statement to the court, Mr Smith said: “Both animals had overgrown feet and were sitting back on their heels due to the length of their hooves. They were not terribly keen to move. I checked the field and could not see any shelter but I did find water for them.

“There were two bales of hay in the field but the donkeys were reluctant to go near the bales as they were witnessed to be bullied by the larger equines.

“Millie was in average condition with her bones easily palpable and a body score of two out of five. Molly was in a poor state with a body score of one and a half out of five with her bones easily palpable.”

A welfare advisor from The Donkey Sanctuary was also on the scene. Photos and videos were sent to an equine vet, who confirmed the donkeys were suffering owing to the condition of their hooves, an RSPCA spokesperson said. They were taken into police possession and to a private boarding yard.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“The equine veterinary surgeon who examined the donkeys and gave evidence in the case said they were both underweight because of an inadequate diet and it would have taken ‘a number of weeks’ for them to get into that condition,” the spokesperson said. “Teenage donkey Molly also had chronic laminitis and was lame on all four feet.”

In her written evidence to the court the vet said of Molly: “The hooves were severely overgrown and curled up at the toe, forcing the donkey to walk on a pivot as there was no correct weight-bearing surface.

“She had not received adequate hoof care for a minimum period of nine months, but likely longer, and this has caused her to suffer for a minimum period of six weeks but likely much longer. Hooves should be trimmed every four to eight weeks minimum by a farrier. This had not been provided by the owner.

“Her teeth were severely sharp and had not received any dental care in many years. This had caused marked ulceration to both sides of the inner cheeks and caused pain and suffering for many months. Equines should receive dental examination and treatment where required every 12 months minimum. Some require dental care every six months. This has not been provided by the owner.”

The vet said Millie, who was about four, had not had adequate hoof care for at least nine months, or appropriate dental care for “at least three years”. , the vet said.

The spokesperson said Donaghey was interviewed by Mr Smith.

“He said he was ‘devastated’ and ‘embarrassed’ about the situation and had never had anything happen with his animals before,” the spokesperson said. “He said he believed he had looked after the donkeys to the best of his ability and they had never shown any signs of lameness and were always the greediest and the first to food.”

The court heard a farrier had been due to see the donkeys but had “had to cancel a number of times” owing to the weather, and that references had been provided to say it was “nothing more than well intentioned but incompetent care”.

Donaghey was fined £448 and ordered to pay £1,224 costs and a £179 surcharge.

Millie is still in RSPCA care and has made a full recovery.

“Sadly Molly was suddenly and unexpectedly found dead at the boarding yard the following month,” the spokesperson said. “A post mortem said the cause of death was colic.”

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Owner of pony found dead with chain still attached banned from keeping horses

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:19:20 +0000

The owner of a Shetland who was found dead with a chain still attached to its tether – and another who was alive but in “very poor” condition has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Stephen Edward Griffiths, of Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, was sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on 13 February, having pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences.

The 62-year-old had admitted caused unnecessary suffering to a male Shetland pony by failing to adequately investigate and address the cause of his poor body condition, and failing to meet the needs of both Shetlands.

The court heard that the RSPCA had been told there were two Shetland ponies needing a welfare check in Llansteffan. RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben attended on 18 June last year.

“When I arrived at the location I observed a dead grey Shetland type pony in thin condition, hair loss with a chain attached to a collar around its neck but not attached to anything at the other end,” he said.

Mr Hogben added that near the dead pony was a coloured Shetland type in “obvious thin body condition with its spine and ribs easily visible” with a “skin issue”. He had been sprayed with purple spray and was tethered by a chain from his head collar to a tree.

Mr Hogben said there was a bucket of water near the tethered pony but he had been told the caller had put it there.

He asked an equine vet to attend, and Griffiths told him the grey Shetland had been dead for “a couple of days”, but he had not been able to move the body as his tractor had broken. Mr “Mr Hogben was also informed that he had only had the ponies in his care for ‘a couple of months’ and had rescued the skewbald pony from Cross Hands,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

The skewbald was deemed fit to travel by the vet and was signed over into the RSPCA’s care.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In the vet’s witness statement, it was said that the skewbald miniature Shetland stallion was tethered on a short chain, approximately eight foot long.

“He was in a very poor body condition,” the vet said. “His access to available forage was limited due to the tether as the available space he could access was well grazed. He also had a very heavy lice infestation.” The pony’s body condition score was 0.5 out of five.

The vet said the dead grey mare was also in “very poor body condition”, with a body condition score of 0.5 out of five.

“Her spine and spinous processes were protruding, her ribs obvious to see despite her long coat and a skeletal body pelvis,” the vet said.

In mitigation it was heard that Griffiths is “genuinely remorseful”.

He was disqualified from keeping equines for 10 years and given a 16-week prison sentence for the first offence and 16 weeks for the second, to run concurrently and suspended for two years. He was made subject to a community order for one year, and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £250 costs.

The surviving Shetland, Groovy Bob, has improved following veterinary treatment in RSPCA care and has been rehomed, the charity’s spokesperson said.

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Horse who may have been tangled in his rug straps has to be winched out of thick mud

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:59:17 +0000

A horse who had to be rescued by emergency services as he was stuck in deep mud may have collapsed after his legs got tangled in his rug straps, it is believed.

Firefighters, vets and the RSPCA worked together to free the cob, who was found stuck in a field in Edenbridge, Kent, on 25 January. The RSPCA had had reports of a horse who was stuck and unable to stand.

RSPCA inspector Cora Peeters and animal rescue officer (ARO) Chloe Wilson found the 12-year-old cob in an area of the field that was “extremely boggy with mud higher than ankle-deep”.

“Other horses in the field were happily grazing in other parts of the field that were not as muddy,” an RSPCA spokesperson said, adding that the horse, nicknamed Albert, could not stand. A vet from Lingfield Equine Veterinary Practice was called but the three were unable to get Albert to his feet.

“Poor Albert was really weak and the vet was growing increasingly concerned for his condition and suspected him to be struggling with hypothermia, so it was vital we got him to his feet as soon as we could,” said Chloe. “Luckily, Kent Fire and Rescue Service was able to spare its technical rescue crew to support us in the rescue, for which we were incredibly grateful.”

The team managed to get Albert on to a board and pulled him out of the mud.

“Away from the mud, Albert was able to sit up a little, and he started to chew on some hay which was a really promising sign, but he was still too weak to get on his feet, so the firefighters used their specialist equipment to lift him to standing,” Chloe said. “It was fantastic they were able to spare some time to help us rescue Albert, as we couldn’t have done it without their special expertise and equipment. It’s a wonderful example of how we can all work together to help animals when they really need us.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The RSPCA pair and the vet rubbed Albert all over with towels to help warm him. Once he was able to stand on his own, he was taken to the Lingfield hospital.

Practice director Rachel Atherton said: “Albert is showing a really promising sign of recovery at the moment, and we’re treating him with pain relief for his muscles and stiffness, caused by the ordeal.

“We suspect his legs had become trapped in the straps on his rug which is how he came to be collapsed, and that he was then unable to get himself up because the mud was so thick and deep.

“Albert has become a firm favourite with our staff at the hospital, who are making sure he is very spoiled, and enjoying a cosy, warm bed out of the wind and rain and mud whilst he recovers. We often work alongside the RSPCA and are really glad to be able to play a big part in Albert’s rescue.”

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Can you help find the culprit? Dead one-eyed mare tied to telegraph pole, dragged from vehicle and dumped

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:35:49 +0000

The body of a one-eyed emaciated horse was tied to a telegraph pole to drag it off a vehicle before it was dumped in the road, the RSPCA believes.

The charity is appealing for information that might help trace the owner of the cob, who had been “severely neglected” before she was dumped near Battle in East Sussex.

“Several members of the public contacted the animal charity after spotting the grisly sight on a roadside on Chapel Hill Lane at Sedlescombe, near Battle, on the morning of Monday, January 27,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

The mare was “in a very emaciated stale”, the charity said, with her right eye missing. A ratchet strap had been used to tie her body to a telegraph pole by the road.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“This poor horse was in a very bad condition and she had been severely neglected before being dumped at this location,” said RSPCA animal rescue officer Claire Thomas, who is investigating. “It appears she was tied to the telegraph pole so that the vehicle used to carry her could be driven off from the scene.

“We are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on the morning of January 27 or the previous evening. It’s possible the body was there overnight, although we don’t think the equine was there that long as this is quite a busy lane used by commuters in the mornings and evenings and the body was very visible.”

The mare’s body, which was not microchipped, was found at the junction of Crazy Lane and Chapel Hill Lane. Ms Thomas said any dashcam or other footage covering the area may help the charity’s investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 1238018, quoting incident number 01435963.

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Pony found with gaping neck wound ‘likely to have suffered for weeks’

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:18:04 +0000

The owner of a pony left with a 10-inch gaping neck wound and in “desperate” need of hoof care has been banned from keeping horses for five years.

Paul Hunter, 61, was sentenced at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 20 December, having pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences. A vet said it is likely his pony Sonny had been suffering for at least four weeks.

A member of the public reported concerns about the pony to the RSPCA, which sent inspector Natalie Hill and animal rescue officer Liz Braidley to “rubbish-strewn wasteland” near Hunter’s home address in Airlie Street, Hull, last February.

Ms Hill told the court they found Sonny standing knee-deep in mud, with a large neck wound, about 9.8inches long and two inches deep.

“The pony was covered in a neck-high rug but I was unable to see his feet due to the thick soft mud,” she said. “Through the metal fencing we found a makeshift bandage placed under the chest piece of the rug. On removing the dressing a large open wound was found at the base of the neck, which looked clean but was very large.”

Warning, graphic image

An RSPCA spokesperson said that while the officers were at the scene, Hunter arrived with his son.

“He said he was the equine’s owner, that the wound had been ‘caused by a rug’ and he’d noticed it around four to five days before, so he’d bathed it in iodine,” the spokesperson said.

“He claimed to the officers that Sonny was ‘well fed, he isn’t suffering he’s just got a cut’ but admitted he hadn’t sought veterinary treatment.”

A vet was called and gave Sonny pain relief and a tetanus jab. A police officer seized the pony and he was taken into RSPCA care.

“A vet said in her report that using iodine and an antibiotic spray to clean such a severe wound was not adequate treatment,” the spokesperson said. “The report also highlighted that Sonny was in ‘desperate’ need of hoof care as his feet were overgrown and he was missing three shoes.”

The vet said a responsible owner would have sought veterinary care for such a wound, adding: “Considering the depth of the wound and the amount of swelling present, Sonny is likely to have been suffering for a period of at least four weeks.”

In mitigation, it was said that Hunter had tried “his best” to keep the wound – which had not been caused deliberately – free from infection. The court heard he suffers from physical ill health and depression following his wife’s death.

The court heard Hunter did not sign Sonny over to the RSPCA as he hoped the pony might be returned to him. But the magistrates imposed a deprivation order to remove him of ownership. As well as the ban, he was made subject to a 12-month community order and ordered to pay court costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £114.

Sonny has made a good recovery and will be rehomed, the RSPCA said.

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Equine charities report owners’ ‘desperation’ and large-scale rescues as living cost crisis continues

Becky Murray — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 20:33:06 +0000

The cost-of-living crisis and owners struggling to cope continue to be major concerns for equine welfare charities, which have been helping “desperate” owners and taking in large groups of horses this year.

Although some living costs have steadied in 2024, and inflation in November was 2.6% compared to 10.7% in November 2022, families around the UK continue to face high bills and financial pressures.

World Horse Welfare reported a 44% increase in welfare cases involving owners having more than 10 horses, up from 109 in 2023 to 157 in 2024. Cases involving owners with more than 50 horses have doubled.

“This is significant because not only do these rescues fill up the centres, they put pressure on the field officer team too,” a World Horse Welfare spokesperson told H&H, adding that the charity has had to invest in more equipment such as trailers and pens to accommodate these cases.

Word Horse Welfare launched its Help for Horse Owners initiative in February with the aim of preventing serious welfare cases by providing early intervention.

“We have lost count of the people we have helped when they have nowhere else to turn and are often at their lowest ebb,” said World Horse Welfare chief field officer Claire Gordon, adding that those the charity has helped usually say they wished they had known about the initiative sooner.

“We hope by highlighting this, we can reach more of the people who are struggling now, so they know a channel exists to seek help from, without judgement.”

By the end of November Redwings had taken in 98 equines, compared to 96 in 2023 – but the charity’s rehoming figures continue to decline. It rehomed 88 equines to guardian homes – who can be returned to the charity at any time – down from 101 in 2023.

“Rehoming has taken a worrying downturn with horses who would have had lots of interest in the past receiving limited interest despite our best efforts,” Redwings chief executive Lynn Cutress told H&H.

“We presume that this is yet another result of the cost-of-living crisis, which as a charity with over 2,000 equines to look after is affecting us in every way.”

Looking at the larger picture the RSPCA reported an overall decline in the past 10 years in reports of cruelty to and neglect of equines. But the number of equines taken in since 2014 “shows a less steady picture” – peaking at more than 900 in 2014, and again in 2017. The charity reported a “continuous drop” in this number between 2019 and 2021, but said the number has risen again since 2022.

“The cost-of-living crisis may explain the rising numbers of abandonments and horses taken into care in the past few years, and it is worrying that we have seen an increase in abandonments in 2022 and 2023 – although abandonments are still less than half what they were 10 years ago,” said RSPCA horse welfare expert Mark Kennedy.

“But our research suggests that there is a growing epidemic of poor welfare in the equine population of England and Wales. Often issues may not meet the legal threshold for us to take action under current animal welfare law. But it does mean that many horses may be surviving rather than thriving – and that should concern all of us.”

South Bristol-based HorseWorld reported a 143% increase in reports made to the charity from 40 in 2014 to 97 in 2024; from members of the public, other charities, landowners, and police.

“In many calls we’ve had from owners, especially in the last 12 months, we’ve heard how they have been struggling to make ends meet for some time,” said HorseWorld’s head of equine welfare Sarah Hollister.

“It’s rarely one thing which has caused them to reach out. We’ve repeatedly heard from owners for whom the rising costs of everyday life have had a massive impact on what was already a very tight budget. It just takes one thing to go wrong, or for one unforeseen cost or illness, and they’re desperate.”

The charity also reported that the total equines it estimates “are potentially at risk” in its area has increased by 38%, from 156 in 2014 to 216 in 2024.

“Since 2014 we have been involved in a number of cases involving very large numbers at one site. For example, in 2021 we saw an exceptional peak of identifying over 600 equines being potentially at risk; caused by one case involving over 300 ponies, two cases involving over 70, as well as a number of other large groups,” said Ms Hollister.

HAPPA chief executive Sarah Arthur said the type of help needed by owners has changed.

“Reports of cruelty and neglect are still being reported, however cries for help from owners trying to do the right thing are more prevalent. We are seeing an increase of owners reaching out for help due to financial and medical difficulties. Intervention is needed by way of advice and or a sign over to ensure that the welfare of the equine is not compromised,” she said.

Ms Arthur added that when the Control of Horses Act came into force in 2015 there was an overall drop in abandonment cases; prior to 2018 approximately 40% of the equines taken in annually by the charity were classed as abandonment cases. Between 2018 and 2022 this decreased to less than 5%, but in recent years 20% of HAPPA’s intake figure is attributed to abandonment.

“The change in the demographic certainly seems to be a response to the cost-of-living crisis. Demand for HAPPA’s services remains consistent, the type of help needed is changing, and intake and rehoming figures remain balanced. Will this be a trend that continues, only time will tell,” she said.

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Judge cites RSPCA witnesses’ ‘hidden agenda’ after innocent owner’s horses put down

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:51:49 +0000

A judge has accused witnesses for the RSPCA of having a “hidden agenda”, as he cleared an owner of “impeccable” character of welfare charges her vets said throughout should never have been brought.

Judge Pattinson found Kirsten Fock innocent of all four charges brought against her by the RSPCA, at Aldershot Magistrates Court on 6 December after a trial.

The charity seized 24 of her horses last October; two were put down at Kirsten’s premises – “because they said otherwise they’d just kill them after they’d taken them,” Ms Fock told H&H – and more soon afterwards.

By 9 December, Ms Fock, represented throughout by Kate Chidgey from Bedford Row chambers, had not been told when the nine remaining horses would be returned to her; she was told the others may have been rehomed – before the case had concluded.

“This case has caused an enormous amount of distress to the defendant,” Judge Pattinson said in his verdict. “Within a very short time of seizure by the RSPCA, decisions had been taken to euthanise Anjuska and Ophelia.

“Anjuska was euthanised following a minor procedure carried out by an RSPCA vet; Ophelia was euthanised after taking account, according to Dr Burrows, of the age of the horse, poor prospects of rehoming and the chronic long-term condition from which she was suffering.

“Two more equines, Tanne and Lavinia, were euthanised by Dr Marques, the defendant’s own vet, because the alternative was being taken away by the RSPCA on an uncomfortable journey with inevitable death at the end of it. The defendant felt that she had no choice in this matter.”

The judge had heard that an RSPCA investigator visited Ms Fock’s premises on 3 October 2023, then returned with two vets appointed by the RSPCA on 6 October, when the horses were seized.

The first charge referred partly to a 32-year-old pony called Anjuska, whom the RSPCA vet said was “very lame”, although her treating vet had no concerns about lameness.

“Sadly, Anjuska died within a day or two of seizure by the RSPCA following routine dental treatment and a choke,” the judge said. “[Expert vet witness David] Rendle’s opinion was that there was no other explanation for her death than a ruptured oesophagus, caused by treatment carried out by RSPCA vets. The implication of this is that she might still be alive if not seized by the RSPCA.”

The prosecution said another horse, Tanne, was “suffering from inadequately managed chronic laminitis, lack of pain relief and inadequate hoof care”. Mr Rendle pointed out that Tanne had been seen by vets 16 times, and had had her feet X-rayed, and the judge said Ms Fock, a doctor, had “deep knowledge of pain relief”.

“Also, she referred to numerous exchanges of texts with her usual vet, Dr Marques,” he said. “This demonstrated the strength of her professional relationship with Dr Marques and the Liphook Equine Hospital, which is inconsistent with someone who fails to obtain veterinary treatment, when required.”

‘Particularly shocking’

Another horse mentioned in the charges was Ophelia, who had an untreatable skin condition manifested in a lump on a hindleg. The prosecution said she should have been kept in a dry environment and had not had pain relief or recent vet treatment.

“[RSPCA vet] Dr Atherton… said Ophelia was ‘weight-shifting’, which was indicative of pain,” the judge said.

“However, the video of Ophelia walking did not support this. Dr Atherton appeared to moderate her evidence regarding pain, describing it as ‘discomfort and itchiness’… [prosecution witness] Dr Burrows said Ophelia was fit to travel [approximately a two-hour journey]. She was euthanised shortly after arrival at Lingfield. In cross-examination, Dr Burrows conceded that Ophelia’s gait was “acceptable” on 7 October.”

The treating vet said he had considered surgery to remove the lump but this would be very risky given the horses’s age. He was “adamant” she was not in pain and had not recommended she be kept in away from her friends.

“Ophelia’s euthanasia was particularly shocking and distressing for Ms Fock,” the judge said.

“She wondered why the RSPCA had not taken her on 3 October if they had been so concerned about her state. She was satisfied she had provided appropriate care and treatment for Ophelia.

“Dr Rendle’s evidence was very clear. He said movement was critical: if Ophelia had been kept immobile in a clean and dry stable, her leg would have swollen. He said that confining her would have been the worst thing.”

The third charge related to a pony called Lavinia, for whom Ms Fock was “certain that she had provided appropriate painkilling medication”, and the fourth to all 24 horses, ponies and donkeys who were seized. All Ms Fock’s equids were rescues, some of whom she had paid a lot for to give them a better life.

‘A remarkable woman of the highest integrity’

The judge noted that many of them were Shetlands, who need less space, and that the RSPCA had previously visited and raised no concerns. He pointed out that Ms Fock’s farrier came every fortnight, always in a vet’s presence.

“I find Ms Fock to be an entirely truthful and reliable person,” the judge said. “She is devoted to her animals. Everyone who knows her – including numerous vets, her neighbour, James Brown, and everyone who has had contact with her – speaks of her care of animals in the most glowing terms. She has devoted her life to rescuing these equines from certain death in a Belgian slaughterhouse.

“This is also my impression of her: that she is a remarkable woman of the highest integrity and knowledge of equine welfare. From the evidence I have heard, it would be surprising if she would knowingly or negligently allow any of her equines to suffer.

“Her veterinary records and invoices at Liphook Animal Hospital run to hundreds of pages. It is not disputed that she has spent [a very significant amount] on veterinary care since acquiring her first equines six years previously. She would spare no expense either in providing veterinary care or in providing forage of the highest quality.”

The judge referred to evidence from Liphook director Huw Griffiths, who said Ms Fock would approach her vets “for the smallest problem” and “more often than required”, adding that he and Mr Rendle were impressive witnesses.

“Although a criminal trial is never a contest between experts, from time to time I formed the impression that some of the prosecution witnesses were following a hidden agenda and were somewhat too keen to pursue a prosecution, rather than accepting that veterinary medicine does not always permit only one course of action and one opinion,” he said.

Concerns had been raised over the RSPCA’s seizure of the horses from a legal standpoint, which the judge said were irrelevant given his verdicts.

“However, I do have some concerns about the events of 6 October and the reliability of obtaining ‘consent’ from someone who was so distressed and taken by surprise and for whom English was not her first language,” he said.

“I am aware that the seizure, and subsequent euthanasia, of various equines is still a very real source of distress to Ms Fock. I understand that she blames herself for failing to resist RSPCA action more robustly. For what it is worth, I feel that any feeling of guilt in this respect is entirely misplaced, and I hope that the acquittal in this criminal trial will enable her to obtain some form of closure.”

Ms Fock told H&H she has been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the case. “I’m always afraid [the RSPCA is] coming back,” she said.

‘Entirely unnecessary’

Mr Rendle told H&H the prosecution had been “entirely unnecessary”, adding: “The RSPCA was repeatedly told that. It should never have gone to court. The RSPCA has to review its protocols.”

Mr Griffiths told H&H that as soon as he was aware of the proceedings, and had confirmed it was legal to send Ms Fock’s vet records to the RSPCA, “we offered to send them everything”, and that he stressed multiple times to the RSPCA there was no welfare case to answer.

“There are 300 pages of records demonstrating treatment of her horses,” he said. “I was on holiday at the time and thought by the time I got back, it would have been shut down. The stress this has caused Kirsten; I’ve spent months worrying about her.”

An RSPCA spokesperson told H&H the charity’s “sole motivation” in prosecuting “was, as always, the welfare of the animals involved”.

“Although the defendant’s animals, many of whom had a number of chronic conditions, were under vet care, owners must ensure they carry out the prescribed treatment and care that their animals need. Wherever possible we try to work with owners to improve welfare, which means that less than 1% of reports of cruelty and neglect result in prosecution, which is a last resort.

“We considered all options in this case, including dealing with these welfare concerns with a caution. This would have prevented the need for, and expense of, a trial, while ensuring that steps were taken to safeguard the welfare of the horses and other equines involved. However, a caution requires recognition of the welfare issues raised and co-operation by the defendant.

“Despite delaying the charging decision for six months as we made multiple attempts to arrange an interview with the defendant, there was no commitment by her or her legal team to be interviewed and provide an account so we could consider an alternative to prosecuting.

“Due to the passage of time, the case was reviewed and, in order to do what was best to safeguard the animals involved, we decided we had no option but to proceed with a prosecution.

“We brought this case because it met the threshold for prosecution in line with Crown Prosecution Service guidelines. Before the trial proceeded, this case was reviewed by a prosecution case manager, independent counsel and we sought an additional review of the case by an independent barrister who all agreed that the evidential test was met, supported by three vets.

“This case followed the correct process to proceed with the prosecution and test this evidence in court.”

The spokesperson said the charity disputes that Ms Fock did not understand when being asked to sign over the horses, as witness evidence showed she was willing, and that the decision to put the two horses down on the day was made by her vets with her agreement, in the horses’ best interests.

She added that Anjuska was treated for choke and tubed as is standard but after this, her condition deteriorated and the decision was made to “put her to sleep to prevent further suffering”.

The RSPCA said it is “arranging for nine horses in our care to be returned in accordance with our return policy” and “the rest of the horses were signed over to us legally for care and rehoming where appropriate”.

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Rescuers work together to help horses up to their bellies in flooded fields

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:01:47 +0000

Multiple agencies worked together to help three horses who were stranded in water almost up to their bellies in Wellingborough.

The RSPCA, Animals In Need, a vet and Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue had together been monitoring the horses since concerns were first reported on Tuesday morning (26 November).

“Heavy rainfall overnight had resulted in flooding in the area, but the field on Turnells Mill Lane where the horses are kept, was particularly hard hit, with the water level almost touching the horse’s bellies, posing a serious risk to their welfare,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“An attempt was made by the teams to secure the horses on Wednesday afternoon but due to the conditions it was not possible so the situation was closely monitored. Overnight the water level reduced revealing areas of dry standing, and the RSPCA has this morning [28 November] been able to provide the horses with hay and forage.”

An RSPCA inspector for the Northamptonshire area will continue to monitor the horses, and the charity is trying to contact the owner of the horses to ensure their future safety.

Jason Finch, national water rescue coordinator at the RSPCA, said: “I’m very pleased to say that currently, the horses are now safe and well as the water level has reduced and revealed dry areas for them to stand, and we were able to provide them with some hay this morning – which they seemed very grateful for!

“We want to thank everyone who was concerned about the horses and reported them to us, and hope they are reassured that collectively we carefully monitored them over the last few days to make sure we could do everything we can to help them if needed.

“The horses are not well handled which posed a challenge for us, and a vet was present to offer advice, but thankfully, we are confident that the horses are no longer at immediate risk.”

Mr Finch added that flood waters can rise very fast, urging owners to act early if there are local warnings.

“Make sure you have a plan so you know how to get your animals out of danger if the worst was to happen and you found yourself caught up in flooding,” he said.

“Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and call us for help in an emergency.”

Floodline on 0845 988 1188 has information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or there is information on the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales websites.

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‘It’s very sad’: loaned thoroughbred comes home emaciated, ulcerated and suffering

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:56:31 +0000

A woman who returned her on-loan thoroughbred to his owners emaciated and with ulcerated skin has been banned from owning or keeping horses for 10 years.

Suzanne Obrey, of Martley Road, Worcester, was sentenced at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on 15 November, having admitted causing suffering to nine-year-old Chocolate Box.

Obrey, now 44, had had the thoroughbred as part of a loan agreement and returned him to his owners in December 2023. He was in poor condition and having asked a vet to examine him, the owners called the RSPCA.

“The court heard that vets had previously examined Chocolate Box in September 2022 for routine vaccinations and there were no clinical concerns for him at that time,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “But when his owners had him returned to them from the loan agreement with Obrey in December 2023, he was in very poor condition.”

In a witness statement, the vet who examined Chocolate Box after his return said: “He had poor muscling over his body, with a condition score equating to ‘very thin, emaciated, with little fat cover.’ The skin over his back and hindquarters was ulcerated and matted with hair.

“Hardened, painful scabs were present on his hind limbs, and there was scurf and dermatitis present along the neck, abdomen and his legs were filled with fluid and uncomfortable, consistent with secondary cellulitis.”

The statement added: “In my opinion, Chocolate Box was caused unnecessary suffering, caused by severe untreated skin lesions and malnutrition – the horse’s needs had not been met.”

Chocolate Box recovered under veterinary treatment in his owners’ care.

In mitigation, the court heard that Obrey was “very sorry she did not take horse to vets sooner and accepted should have done so, and that she loves animals and has always had them”.

“It was added that she had done her best but it was due to incompetent care, and not deliberate,” the spokesperson said.

RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith said it was very sad Chocolate Box had been caused such suffering.

“Sadly, we do see ex-racehorses fall into the hands of people who lack the knowledge, finances or infrastructure to meet the needs of this type of horse,” she said.

“Horses may lose weight slowly, and when you see a horse every day, some people may find it hard to see a decline in weight, So observation and daily checks are vital, especially in winter when rugs or thick winter coats might hide a decline in body condition.

“Education is only part of preventing problems like those experienced by Chocolate Box. Costs are a big factor too and if someone is finding it challenging to cover vet costs, we recommend they take proactive steps to ensure an equine will never go without vital vet treatment. This could be by having an insurance policy, paying into a savings account specifically for veterinary emergencies, or having an emergency credit card. Some vets also offer payment plans.”

Ms Smith advised owners to carry out weekly body condition scoring, or take weekly pictures and compare them to monitor weight, to ensure horses are fed appropriately and have their teeth checked at least annually.

Obrey pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and was banned from owning or keeping all equines for a decade, which she cannot appeal for five years.

She was given a 12-month community order and told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £400, and a victim surcharge of £114.

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‘An incredible legacy’: posthumous award for passionate, dedicated welfare champion

Becky Murray — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:32:26 +0000

An RSPCA inspector who “dedicated her life to fighting animal cruelty” has been honoured with a posthumous award in recognition of her work.

Kirsty Withnall, who worked for the RSPCA for 23 years, was named the winner of the animal welfare award at the Charity Toward Awards, on 16 October. Kirsty’s family attended the ceremony with her RSPCA colleagues, acting head of special operations Ian Briggs and chief inspector Will Mitchell, to collect the award in her memory.

Throughout her life Kirsty championed animal welfare. She started with the RSPCA as an inspector, then became a specialist equine officer, and later joined the charity’s special operations unit to investigate the most serious and organised animal welfare crime. She died in April from cancer, shortly after she won the Sir Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum this year.

“We’re so proud that Kirsty has been posthumously honoured with this award, it’s certainly well deserved,” said Mr Mitchell.

“She leaves an incredible legacy after having such a positive impact on so many animals’ lives. She was an inspiring and fearless investigator and rescuer and an avid advocate for animal welfare.

“She was also a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend – and we were incredibly privileged to have worked beside her, and learn from her compassion and kindness.”

The Charity Today Awards bring together “the most inspiring and impactful causes” across the country, and founder Lee Rayment said “Kirsty’s passion and commitment to animal welfare were truly inspiring”.

“The judges felt it was important to honour her memory in a meaningful way by awarding her the animal welfare award,” he said.

Kirsty’s father, late husband, and brother were given the James E Smith special recognition award – named in memory of Lee Rayment’s grandfather Private James Edward Smith, a veteran of the Burma war.

“The special recognition award was presented to Kirsty’s family and colleagues at the RSPCA as a tribute to their dedication in ensuring that Kirsty’s work is remembered and acknowledged publicly today,” said Mr Rayment.

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Ban for couple who left filly to die weighing just 82kg in ‘dreadful mistreatment’

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:33:35 +0000

A couple who “dreadfully mistreated” two horses so badly they both died, one weighing just 82kg, have been banned from keeping animals and given suspended prison sentences.

Bognor Regis pair Katrina Sullivan, 42, and 36-year-old Jamie Middleton, of Laurel Grove and Felpham Road respectively, were sentenced at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on 14 October. Both had pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences.

The court heard that 18-month-old cob Sassy and three-year-old gelding Apollo had been left in fields, in a very poor condition without veterinary intervention. On 25 October 2023, RSPCA inspector Rebecca Carter met a World Horse Welfare field officer at a field off Brooks Lane in Bognor.

“Sassy had been found in a stable at the location and she appeared gravely unwell,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “She was emaciated and suffering from a tail wound which was infested with maggots.

“Apollo, who was in another stable, had swollen legs and was unable to stand. His spine, ribs and hip bones were all visible, while his rear end was covered in diarrhoea.”

In a statement to court, Ms Carter said that despite the two rugs Sassy was wearing, she could see her “very poor bodily condition”.

“I could feel her protruding spine, ribs and pelvis area,” she said. “She appeared to have lost all of the muscle in her hind limbs and her tail and rear legs were covered in foul-smelling diarrhoea.”

Sassy’s owner told the inspector she had found the filly lying down in a field four days previously but had been unable to get help as her vet was away and others that she called would not come out as she had “no money to pay up front and had failed credit checks”.

“It was said that Sullivan’s daughter left Apollo in the care of her mother and that she was unaware of any problems with her horse,” the spokesperson said.

A welsh mare and a foal who were in another field were in “reasonable” condition; all four were signed over to World Horse Welfare.

“Sadly, during the time the charity officers were at the paddocks Sassy passed away,” the spokesperson said. “Apollo was in such poor health that despite receiving intensive treatment he passed away three weeks later at a veterinary hospital.

“A post-mortem showed that Sassy was emaciated, weighing only 83kg, and she had a heavy parasite infection in her gastrointestinal tract, which could have led to the weight loss, although a lack of food could have been a factor too.”

In mitigation, the court heard Sullivan was remorseful. She had left the equines in the care of her partner, Middleton, who suffered from mental health problems and it was said he had “tried his best, but his care for the animals was incompetent”.

The magistrates told the defendants they had “dreadfully mistreated” the equines, but agreed to suspend their custodial sentences.

Both were banned from keeping animals for 10 years. Sullivan was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, Middleton to 14 wees’ prison, suspended for two years.

Both were ordered to pay court costs of £350 and a victim surcharge of £154.

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Two arrested after police find ‘significant number’ of horses and dogs in need

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:19:40 +0000

Two people have been arrested after a “significant number of horses and dogs in need of care” were found on a farm near Chelmsford.

Officers from Essex Police’s operational support group, force support unit and community policing and rural engagement teams conducted a search at the farm on Tuesday (22 October), after members of the public raised concerns about the welfare of horses who were kept on the land.

The police were joined by representatives of the RSPCA, National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) member charities, the fire service and council officials.

Inspector Sam Girdlestone said: “We came to the property to support the RSPCA and Chelmsford City Council with their investigation, and we arrested two people in the house.

“We found horses who appeared to be in poor health, and a number of Alsatian dogs and puppies locked up in outbuildings.

“The RSPCA, charities from the National Equine Welfare Council, vets and other organisations were on site to make sure the animals are safe and are given the necessary aftercare.”

The two people arrested at the scene were taken in for questioning.

“Animal welfare is an issue we take very seriously, and we’d appeal to the public to call us or our partner organisations if they see an animal in a condition that worries them,” Inspector Girdlestone said.

An RSPCA spokesperson told H&H: “The RSPCA, working in collaboration with other member organisations of NEWC, joined Essex Police as they executed a warrant at an address in the Chelmsford area on Tuesday.

“A number of horses and dogs were removed. As this is an ongoing investigation we are unable to release further information at this time.”

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MPs invited to discuss ‘much-needed change’ to firework regulations

Becky Murray — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:24:12 +0000

MPs have been invited to discuss “much-needed” improvements to firework regulations, with the aim of raising awareness among “those who have the power to bring about change”.

Redwings has launched a campaign to better protect equines from the “fear, injury, illness and worse” that fireworks can cause. As part of the campaign, the charity is co-hosting a drop-in event for MPs in Westminster on 30 October, with other members of the Fireworks Working Group. The group includes animal welfare charities, as well as PTSD UK, the Children’s Burns Trust and Service Dogs UK.

“The event will highlight the adverse impact of fireworks, not only on horses but on other animals, people and the environment, with the aim of raising awareness among those who have the power to bring about change,” said Helen Whitelegg, Redwings campaigns and policy manager, adding that owners are urged to contact their MPs to ask them to attend.

Redwings hosted a round table with charities, vets, police and a barrister to discuss the Animal Welfare Act in relation to fireworks (news, 23 May) – and although it was agreed that the act is a “very good piece of legislation”, there is no specific mention of fireworks, so the “focus needs to be on better regulation”.

“The act was never designed to tackle fireworks – and it only addresses issues relating to animals, so you still have the impact on veterans and the environment. It’s not a catch-all approach,” Helen told H&H.

“So we would really like to focus on the regulations themselves, because that is ultimately where the problem comes from.”

Calls for change continue to grow; this month MP Sarah Owen introduced a private members’ bill in parliament to restrict the noise and sale of fireworks. The bill’s second reading will be on 17 January 2025.

A new Social Market Foundation report, sponsored by the RSPCA, found that of 1,000 British adults surveyed, there was a “broad support for tougher rules on fireworks”, and “openness towards newer kinds of animal-friendly displays”.

“We understand that many enjoy fireworks, but we can’t hide that many animals find fireworks deeply distressing and some end up injured or even lose their lives. We have campaigned for years urging the Government to revise fireworks regulations – ensuring they can be enjoyed responsibly, while better protecting animals,” said RSPCA campaigns manager Carrie Stones, adding that a review of regulations will protect animals and that the report’s findings show “the majority of people support this”.

Scotland has made progress with firework regulation with the introduction of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act in 2022, which includes restrictions on when fireworks can be sold, and local authorities having the powers to grant control zones. But a Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed to H&H that the timeframe for implementing a licensing scheme has been pushed back to 2026 owing to “financial pressures the Scottish Government is facing”.

A firework display has taken place near horse owner Debora Benson’s farm for the past four years and last year’s event was “like being in a war zone”. She believes the regulations do not go far enough, and she would like to see firework noise limits – and for display organisers to consider using silent fireworks.

“We don’t want to stop people having fun, we just want to avoid the loud bangs that can cause panic – it’s about compromise. There are well-meaning people who do good things for the community in organising displays, but they don’t understand how traumatic it is for animals or anyone with PTSD,” she said.

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He loves it’: neglected yearling rescued by RSPCA wins prestigious eventing title 10 years later

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 19:21:47 +0000

“Rescue horses can”, is the message from the rider of a horse who was found as a malnourished, wounded yearling, and who won the 2024 Cotswold Cup 90cm championship.

RSPCA Kastone and Bethan-May Greave finished on their dressage score on 30 September to take the series final. Bethan-May told H&H that had she been told what Kastone would go on to do, when she collected him as an 18-month-old, “I never would have believed it”.

Bethan-May first heard of Kastone when she bumped into the head of rehoming for the RSPCA.

“He said ‘I’ve got the perfect horse for you’; I went to see him and he was lovely,” she said. “But then I broke my ankle and couldn’t take him on. Three or four months later, he was still available but they said they were saving him for a TV show.

“He appeared on ITV’s Give a Pet a Home so I had to go on TV but I got him. After a six-month trial, they signed him over to me and I’ve had him ever since.”

Bethan-May said Kastone was found shut in a barn with other youngsters, skinny, wounded and “living in poo”.

“When I took him on, they thought he’d get to about 14.2/15hh and be maybe a companion or a happy hacker,” she said. “We thought he could hack or nanny the babies but he just grew and grew – and he’s turned out to be a little superstar.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kastone’s delayed growth may have been owing to his lack of appropriate nutrition early on, Bethan-May said, and may have caused other issues.

“He had to have tendon surgery a few years ago,” she said. “He was about 1/10 lame and we investigated but couldn’t get to the bottom of it so they went in with a camera and found a tiny longitudinal tear. They repaired it and he did a year of rehab and hacking, and came back better.”

Kastone, who eventually grew to 17hh and is now 11, did not do too much as a youngster but it soon became apparent what he enjoyed.

“He absolutely loves jumping,” Bethan-May said. “We just thought we’d see what he could do. He qualified for the Cotswold Cup in limited outings and I knew he had the potential to win but it was whether he and I could hold it together on the day.

“He normally does a good dressage test, if he doesn’t get excited and do a random flying change or buck because he’s having a good time, and he can go a bit green across country. He’s absolutely brilliant showjumping but with all the marquees and distractions, sometimes his concentration goes to them rather than the fences, and the pressure was unreal.

“It was so exciting to win; I cried and cried because I was so proud of him. He loves being in front; I talk to him and had said ‘We’re in the lead and if you want to lead the lap of honour, you need to jump clear’. I think he listened because he loved doing the lap of honour! That was his favourite part of the day as he loves a crowd.”

Bethan-May said she hopes Kastone’s story might show what rescue horses and ponies can do.

“Even though he had such a poor start in life, such a hard time, it hasn’t limited him,” she said. “He’s able to go out and do all this, and he loves it. That’s why I do it.”

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Ban for man who left two-year-old tied to cart while he went to the pub

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:25:50 +0000

A man who left a neglected two-year-old pony tied to a cart in a supermarket car park while he went to the pub has been banned from owning horses.

James Price, of Taymuir Road, Cardiff, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on 4 September. The 33-year-old admitted two animal welfare offences.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said people visiting the shop in Glen Road, Plympton, on 6 August 2023 were concerned about the pony tied up in the car park. Some offered her water and the police were called.

“Whilst he went to a nearby pub, Price had left the then two-year-old pony Coco without food or water and she was in a poor state of health, leading officers from Devon and Cornwall Police to take her into their possession, before calling a vet and the RSPCA to investigate further,” the spokesperson said.

The court heard that before the vet arrived, Coco was extremely hungry; after she was taken to a boarding stables and given food, ate “steadily throughout the day”. She also immediately drank 25 litres of water, and another 25 litres overnight.

In a witness statement, the vet described Coco as “quiet and lethargic and not behaving as a two year-old pony should”, the RSPCA spokesperson said.

The vet’s statement read: “She had a thin neck, her coat was dull, her nose had sunburn lesions and there was a sore on the right-hand side where the noseband part of her rope headcollar had been too tight.

“On her lower right-hand chest area was an area of broken skin with a scab forming where her driving harness had rubbed. Her hooves were ragged and evidence was seen that she had been recently shod, but there were three nails remaining which were sticking out sideways from her hind feet.”

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who was involved in investigating the case, said after sentencing: “I’d like to thank the members of the public for reporting their concerns about Coco to the local police, which allowed us then to be contacted and investigate her suffering.

“Coco was being treated in a completely inappropriate way, did not have her basic needs such as food and water provided, and at two years old, was far too young to be driving a cart and being worked. She also did not have a microchip, which is now mandatory for all horses.

“Coco was signed over to our care by Price before the case concluded, and I’m pleased to say she has made a good recovery and is looking for a new home.”

Price was banned from owning horses for seven years, which he cannot appeal for five years. He was given a 24-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, for each offence, to run concurrently, and was fined £200 and ordered to pay £250 costs.

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Ponies left with ‘crocodile-like skin’ from burns after owner fly-grazed them on land with toxic plant

Becky Murray — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:15:47 +0000

A group of neglected ponies suffered “extensive” toxic burns leaving them with “crocodile-like skin” when their owner allowed them to fly-graze on land on which St John’s wort was growing.

John Darren Ware, 47, of Blakemere Crescent, Portsmouth, was sentenced at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 12 August, having pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences at a previous hearing.

On 28 July the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare attended council-owned conservation land in Farlington, Portsmouth, “heavily contaminated with dangerous weeds”, where eight ponies were grazing without permission. There was no evidence of additional hay, feed, or shelter.

An RSPCA spokesperson said three of the ponies had “extensive facial lesions” that were thick, raised, brown, and crusted, covering the muzzle and encircling both eyes, as well as raised crusting lesions over their bodies. The other five ponies had less severe lesions to their muzzles.

“The vet who examined the horses was concerned because of all the horses having similar lesions and suspected they had been in contact with a toxic substance,” said the spokesman, adding that tests revealed all eight ponies “were not in good health with evidence of inflammation and a chronic infection.

“The ponies also showed evidence of burns to the non-pigmented skin that is consistent with damage by UV light. The vet concluded that this was caused by exposure or contact with St John’s wort.”

The vet report said that certain weeds, like St John’s wort, contain “photodynamic agents that when the horse has contact or ingests the weed there is an exacerbated reaction to sunlight causing burns to the skin. This would be termed a primary photosensitisation.”

“Other weeds, such as ragwort, can cause damage to organs. The resulting damage prevents the filtering of photosensitive waste products so they are retained in other areas of the body, such as the skin, which causes what is known as a secondary photosensitisation,” read the report.

Tests showed that “no signs of the physiological impact of secondary photosensitivity so it was concluded St John’s wort had caused issues for the horses”.

The vet report added that horses suffering from photosensitisation should be removed from direct sunlight, prevented from further contact with the photodynamic agent, protected from the sun with shelter, and burns and injuries treated. It was also noted that burns around the muzzle are “particularly painful because it is highly sensitive.”

Hampshire’s RSPCA chief inspector Paul Williams said the RSPCA is grateful to World Horse Welfare for helping the ponies and that “thankfully they’ve now recovered”.

“Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment they need when they need it. Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy,” he said.

World Horse Welfare field officer Penny Baker said “this was a truly horrific case”.

“I do not think I have ever seen ponies with so much crocodile-like skin around their muzzles. They must have been in excruciating pain,” she said.

“Keeping a horse or pony well is about much more than just food and water – it’s also making sure they do not have access to poisonous plants, can be protected from the elements and of course get prompt veterinary treatment when they need it.

“We are very grateful to the member of the public who alerted us to these ponies, and we were pleased to be able to work with the RSPCA to remove them from this appalling state of neglect.”

In mitigation, Ware was said to be unaware of the severity of the situation and thought it was sunburn. He said he had applied sun cream to one of the horses about a week before the visit by the charities but did not seek veterinary help.

Ware was banned from keeping equines for 10 years. He was ordered to pay £750 costs and a victim surcharge, and to carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

The ponies were signed into the care of the RSPCA and went into private boarding for rehoming.

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Pony found in ‘shocking state’ beside dead companion makes full recovery

Becky Murray — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:30:54 +0000

A starved pony found in a “shocking state” beside his dead field companion has made a full recovery – and their owner has been banned from keeping equines.

Shane Paul Sims, 36, of Gilpin Close, Kingswood, Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 5 August, after pleading guilty to two animal welfare offences

Between 2 November and 4 December 2023 Sims caused unnecessary suffering to ponies Soul and Denz, and between 2 October and 4 December 2023 he failed to meet the ponies’ needs.

An RSPCA spokesperson said concerns were raised about the two ponies to the charity by callers, who reported that one pony was dead and the other “very underweight”, on land in Westerleigh, Gloucestershire.

When RSPCA officers arrived they found Denz dead, and Soul with his “bones visible”. There was no evidence of supplementary feeding or hay in the muddy field.

A vet report stated that Soul’s poor body condition score showed he “may have been on an unacceptable diet, especially for a young horse”.

“This will have led to hunger, muscle breakdown, lethargy and potentially poor development. It is estimated that this weight loss and associated suffering caused by the aforementioned will have occurred over a period of approximately two months,” the report said.

The vet found that Soul had thrush, caused by standing in wet conditions and lack of routine hoof care. He had a worm burden, but “showed nothing abnormal to account for the body condition aside from prolonged starvation”.

The RSPCA spokesman said a post-mortem exam showed that Denz “was starved and had a high worm burden”.

The vet said that it was their opinion that Denz “had suffered”.

“Although it is impossible to say a specific time, I do not believe an animal could have reached a state of such emaciation within less than one month. In terms of what suffering Denz would have felt, I am confident that this would not have been a comfortable experience,” they said.

RSPCA inspector Dan Hatfield, who investigated the case, thanked the members of the public who raised concerns about Soul’s welfare, “enabling his rescue”.

“There is never an excuse to leave animals to suffer. Owners have a duty and responsibility to ensure the needs of their animals are met, this includes making sure they have a suitable diet and the care they need to stay healthy,” he said.

“When Soul was rescued he was in a shocking state. It was heartbreaking to see him in such an awful condition alongside his dead friend. Thankfully he’s now recovered and looking amazing after getting the help and care he needed.”

Soul was given care by charity HorseWorld where he has made “a full recovery”.

Soul has made a full recovery. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

In mitigation, it was said that “this was not deliberate cruelty” by Sims. He had no knowledge of horses and knew he should have done more.

Sims was banned from keeping equines for 10 years, and this cannot be appealed for eight years. He was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended by 24 months, and ordered to pay £200.

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Young rider who excelled in dressage on RSPCA rescue takes on pony saved from shipping container – and wins

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 18:51:20 +0000

A young rider who has been excelling in dressage with a rescue pony rehomed from the RSPCA has a second mount – who was rescued from a shipping container, and has already won at his first show.

H&H has reported on Theo Charnley, who started riding in lockdown and within three years was a multiple national dressage champion with RSPCA George, whom the family rehomed as a “scruffy” three-year-old.

The pair have since won a host of dressage titles, but Theo’s time in George’s saddle was limited as he is now 12, and growing. His father Paul put the decision on his next mount to his son.

“We were looking at buying or loaning him one with a bit more experience, but Theo didn’t want to do that,” Paul told H&H. “The dressage world is full of amazing riders but you can get a bit caught up in getting the next horse. But Theo was given that option; we asked if he’d like a pony to take him to the next level, or to start again, and he chose the rescue.”

Paul spotted Jerry on the RSPCA website, contacted the charity and took him home in April

“Jerry’s was a weird case,” he said. “There was a complaint about dogs barking in a field and the inspectors found two shipping containers. They opened the first one and found about 20 dogs, then in the other one, they found two ponies. It was pretty awful.”

Jerry was in “pretty poor condition” when he was rescued, Paul said.

“The other pony, called Tom, sadly didn’t make it,” Paul said. “We adopted Jerry after some fabulous work by the RSPCA rehabilitating him, and he looked pretty good when we got him.”

Jerry’s passport puts him as a four-year-old but Paul suspects he is younger, and as he was not chipped when he was found, his age has to be estimated. He has done some long-reining and Theo has sat on him but the family thought it best to let him mature a bit before he is backed.

But he has been out in hand, showing at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre a few weeks after his arrival with the Charnleys.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We thought we’d do that to get him out and about; we’ve never done showing but we thought we’d give it a bash,” Paul said. “We asked some friends who show what to do and they said we’d need all these lotions and potions so we bought them all – I realised that lot cost us more than the pony did!”

The family put in some work on the ground with Jerry, who Paul said took to it with alacrity, then went to the show, where Jerry won the newcomers’ and the cob class, then stood reserve champion.

“I didn’t have a clue what was going on!” Paul said. “When we got pulled in, I thought it was another part of showing, I didn’t realise he’d won. But the judge said afterwards we need to do some bigger qualifiers. Whoever bred him knew what they were doing. And now he’s in the field, growing up a bit.”

The plan is for Theo to move on to Jerry once he outgrows George. The Charnleys then plan to drive George, and see where Jerry takes them.

“Theo’s riding for England in the home nations in a couple of weeks, then we’ve got Area Festivals, regionals, Trailblazers – it’s incredible but we’re looking forward to coming away from it a bit next year, retraining George, and Jerry,” Paul said. “And Theo’s happy whatever happens; if he achieves anything, great, but his motto is that every day he wants to help them be better than the day before, that’s what he loves.”

Paul added that Theo paid Jerry’s adoption fee himself.

“We said he could put his Area Festivals championship prize money towards buying a new pony or a rescue, and that’s what he did with it,” he said. “It’s lovely that that one competition’s prize paid for Jerry.”

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Small pony showed ‘all the signs of exhaustion’ – second death at Appleby as overworking rife

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:29:57 +0000

A second equine died at Appleby Horse Fair, it has been confirmed, as overworking of horses was a “significant welfare issue” at this year’s event.

H&H reported on the three-year-old who was “worked to death” last Wednesday (5 June) but the RSPCA said a Shetland also died on Saturday, showing “all the signs of exhaustion” – and that had temperatures been higher, there could well have been more deaths.

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy said: “There are a lot of wonderful people and animals at the fair, who it’s really enjoyable to meet and get to know. You only need look at the Appleby Horse Project’s Best at Appleby Awards, which celebrate horse health, happiness and horsemanship.

“Unfortunately, there is also an element of people who think it’s okay to drive horses to the point of exhaustion, and disappointingly we’ve seen the most serious results of that this week.

“Everyone knows about the horse who died at Jubilee Bridge on Wednesday, but we had a Shetland pony who died in the residential section at the back of the Trade Field on Saturday too, which showed all the signs of exhaustion.”

Mr Melloy said the charity believes much of the overworking was happening overnight, but not reported.

“And we had to deal with the consequences the day after,” he said. “In the case of the Shetland, we were called to the stallion early in the morning, and suspect he was overworked in the evening.

“A lot of our warnings and interactions were about exhaustion and if the weather had been a little bit hotter we may have been talking about more than these two deaths.”

The RSPCA recorded 438 interventions by officers during the fair. Five investigations are ongoing, and nine warnings were issued. Six equines, a dog, a puppy, a kitten, a cross-bred canary, a wild-caught goldfinch and a wild rabbit are in charity care.

Staff from nine welfare charities attend the fair each year.

“The experienced and committed team of charity and private practice vets, logistics experts, enforcement and education officers have been supporting the protection and wellbeing of horses at the fair for over 20 years,” an RSPCA spokesman said. “They provide a vet station at Salt Tip Corner where assistance can be sought for any animal that needs it and run the Best at Appleby Awards.”

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