Men banned from keeping animals for cruelty to starving colt
Three men were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a horse, at Yarmouth Magistrates Court on 8 March.
The owner, Kenneth Shaw, 41, of Pitsea, Essex, was banned from keeping any animals for 10 years and fined £150.
Two other men, who were hired to look after the horse, whom charity staff have named Lucan, have also received bans of up to 10 years.
Ian Robson, 64, of Chestnut Road, Pulham St Mary, near Diss, Norfolk, was given a five-year ban and Darren Holmes, 37, of Croft Hill, Stokesby, near Yarmouth was banned for 10 years, with a £150 fine.
The 14hh strawberry roan colt was found near Great Yarmouth in April 2010 and was transported to the Redwings in Norfolk for treatment.
Nicolas de Brauwere, Redwings vet and head of welfare, said: “Lucan was very underweight and riddled with worms and lice.
“He was suffering with severe mud fever on his hind leg and was very lame in a front leg.
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“What was more distressing to witness was his behaviour — he was extremely uncomfortable on his feet when walking and even when standing still he was shaking and contorted in an effort to save himself from the pain.
“This level of suffering is not something we see very often.”
Inspector John Jenkins of the RSPCA, who brought the prosecution, said: “Bans are extremely important as they safeguard the future welfare of animals and should make people aware of their responsibilities when they are looking after or caring for animals.”
Lucan is in the care of Redwings and has now made a full recovery.
It is unlikely he will ever be ridden due to conformation issues but has a secure home at Redwings for the rest of his life.
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