A colt who was found collapsed, with necrotic wounds to the bone for which his owner had failed to seek vet treatment, had to be put down to prevent him suffering further.
Carl Knowles, 29, of Halbutt Street, Dagenham, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 1 June. He pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to 18-month old Max between 10 and 14 December 2020.
RSPCA inspector Jessica Dayes attended a location in Harlow with animal rescue officer Rebecca Yarrow and the police on 14 December 2020, following reports of a collapsed horse.
An RSPCA spokesman said when the team arrived they found Max collapsed and inspector Dayes reported he was making no attempt to stand because he was weak.
“She could see that Max’s hips and spine were clearly visible and there was a pile of faeces behind him which indicated he had been in the same position for some time,” said the spokesman.
“There appeared to be some bread placed in front of Max but this was wet and not eaten. Only muddy water was available.”
Max was seized by the police and a vet was called to administer pain relief.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Rescuers could see he was suffering from open pressure sores on both elbows and between his front legs. When the wounds were examined at the hospital they had a putrid smell,” said the spokesman.
“Skin lesions on the limbs and over both points of the elbow had deep, ulcerated and necrotic wounds that penetrated to the bone and ligaments.”
The spokesman said the vet made the decision to put Max down to prevent him suffering further owing to his increased pulse, low body temperature, and the depth, extent and decay of his untreated wounds.
“The vet report stated it was unacceptable for any equine to be left collapsed, without the ability to move freely for days, without seeking further professional advice,” said Ms Dayes.
“The emaciation should have been investigated and treated and appropriate treatment should have been sought for the pain and discomfort caused by the wounds. All of Max’s conditions should have led any reasonable owner to seek immediate veterinary care.”
“It torments me wondering if he stood there starving and neglected and wondered why I didn’t come for him”
EPP3GW Wickham, Hampshire, UK. 20th May, 2015. RSPCA keep inspect a young foal. They keep a close watch on the event with the equine vets and police.The Wickham Horse Fair started today. The fair is one of just two major horse-trading events in the country and can trace its history back to the 13th century Credit: Frank Naylor/Alamy Live News
In mitigation Knowles said he had called a vet but could not afford the treatment.
Knowles was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He was banned from keeping animals for life and cannot appeal this for 10 years. He must pay £600 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
