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The owner of a horse who died in a waterlogged field has been given a three-year ban and fined £1,579.
Kyla Martin, 27, of Burslem, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a horse at Newcastle Magistrates Court on 4 December.
The 22-year-old horse, Delta, was left in the field, unsupervised, with no access to a well-drained area where she could stand or rest.
She was found dead in a spring in the field.
Due to the wet conditions, it took members of Staffordshire County Council’s animal health team eight days before they could reach the dead horse and remove the body.
In her defence, Ms Martin was said to be unaware of the spring in the field.
Magistrates ordered her to pay £1,579, plus costs, and banned her from keeping horses for three years.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“People who keep any animal have a duty to ensure they are well cared for and kept free from harm,” said Cllr Gill Heath, the council’s leader on trading standards, following the hearing.
“The judge in this case recognised that a horse was left to suffer in totally unsuitable conditions, and banned this person from keeping horses for three years.
“Our trading standards animal health officers work with businesses and horse owners to make them aware of the legislation — the vast majority are responsible and play an important part in Staffordshire’s economy.
“However, where there is neglect they will take prompt action.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.