Horse left in agony for four days found ‘barely alive’
A Lancashire farmer has been fined after a horse was found “barely alive” on his property.
53-year-old Paul Alton of Bacup pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering at Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates’ Court on 2 September.
The court heard that Alton failed to seek veterinary treatment for the bay gelding, who had collapsed and was in “desperate need”.
The horse was suffering from colic, had a huge worm and lice burden and was underweight.
“This poor horse was in a terrible state when we found him at the farm where Mr Alton lives, back in January,” said RSPCA inspector Charlotte Booker.
“He was collapsed on the ground with a rug thrown over him, barely alive.”
After many attempts by Ms Booker and a vet to get the gelding on his feet, the vet decided the kindest thing to do was put him down.
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“Mr Alton claimed he couldn’t get hold of the owner of the horse yet took no action to get a vet,” added inspector Booker.
“It was obvious on day one the horse needed help, how anybody could leave him for four days [after his health deteriorated] is beyond me.”
The court ordered Alton to pay £260.
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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.