Man jailed for causing suffering to mare that lost a hoof

A man has been jailed for 20 weeks after he neglected a mare so badly that she lost a hoof.

The RSPCA received a call about David Loughran’s young bay mare in Lilbourne near Rugby last May. When the RSPCA inspector arrived the mare was found in severe pain with a lame left hind leg.

During an examination by a vet at the scene she kicked out with her lame leg and her hoof flew off. The mare – thought to be about three years old – had to be put to sleep to prevent any further suffering.

Inspector Pippa Boyd, who attended the incident, said: “It was appalling to witness the horse so frightened, anxious and in severe pain.”

Loughran, 54, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the horse and alongside his custodial sentence he was also banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Boyd said: “Due to the long-term neglect of this horse, which could so easily have been prevented if veterinary treatment had been sought, the sentencing in this case was appropriate.

“The RSPCA had in the past dealt with Loughran giving advice regarding various horses he owned and as someone who earns a living working with animals he should have known better and contacted his vet as soon as the horse became unwell.”

The case was heard at Nuneaton Magistrates Court on 15 December.

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