Banned owner found guilty
11 March 2002
Horse owner found guilty of causing “unnecessary suffering” for a second time has received a two-month jail sentence
Sandra Carpenter of St Margaret’s Farm, near Billericay, Essex, has received a two-month jail sentence for causing “unnecessary suffering” to a grey mare while serving a 10-year ban on keeping horses.
The 49-year-old horse owner was found guilty at a four-day trial last year where she denied causing unnecessary suffering to a mare called Lucky, who was found close to collapse and had to be put down.
Lucky, who was believed to be about 10 years old, had a foal at foot when she was found in a filthy stable by RSPCA inspector Angela Pearce.
“The stable was covered in faeces and urine,” said Angela. “There was no evidence of food and I was extremely concerned by Lucky’s condition. ”
Lucky was found to be suffering from a respiratory disease and worm infestation when she and her foal were removed by the RSCPA. Both horses received emergency veterinary care but the mare did not recover and was put down 10 days later. The foal has been successfully rehomed.
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SandraCarpenter also received a two-week sentence, to run concurrently, for breaching the court order banning her from keeping horses. The ban was received for a previous conviction for causing unnecessary suffering to 13 horses. She also received a further 10-year ban on keeping horses.
“We are delighted that Ms Carpenter has finally got what she deserves,” says International League for the Protection of Horses director of support, Roly Owers.
“We were involved in the previous case when Ms Carpenter was banned from keeping horses some years ago. One of the severely emaciated ponies we took in was a registered Exmoor pony named Annie, [pictured above right] who featured in our advertising campaign and really caught the public’s imagination. She has been successfully re-homed as a companion but can never be ridden.
“The numerous individuals who contacted us at that time about the case will be pleased to know that the law has finally caught up with her ex-owner.
“This case highlights the inadequacies of the Protection of Animals Act (1911),” said Roly Owers. “Despite being subject to a ban Ms Carpenter continued to keep horses, with thesad result that a horse was so badly neglected she had to be put down.”
Sandra Carpenter has lodged an appeal against the conviction and has been released on bail.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.