Man who left mare and foal to starve is banned for life
A man has been banned from owning horses for life after he starved a mare and foal.
Joe Henderson, 30, of Repton Manor Road, Ashford, appeared at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday (6 November).
The court heard that Henderson caused unnecessary suffering to a 15.1hh mare, named Nancy, and her foal, Rosie, by failing to provide them with a sufficient diet.
He pleaded guilty to the offences and was banned from keeping horses for life, given an 18-month community order and ordered to pay costs of £2,664.42, plus a £60 victim surcharge.
Nancy and Rosie were rescued in April.
“Poor Nancy was covered in rain scald and she and Rosie had no shelter or food,” said RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe.
“We were very concerned for both Nancy and her foal as she was so thin, all her bones were visible. I was especially concerned that she would be unable to produce enough milk to feed Rosie.
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“The vet who came out to examine her confirmed she was suffering, and they were signed over to our care.”
Both Nancy and her foal, Rosie, are now looking for a new home.
Nancy is thought to be around 15 years old and is now looking for a companion home. She gets on well with other horses.
Yearling Rosie will make approximately 15hh and will need an experienced home with someone who has had youngsters before.
Those wishing to find out more about rehoming Nancy, Rosie or another RSPCA rescue horse should visit: www.rspca.org.uk/homesforhorses
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.