The man trimmed the hooves of
the 500kg horse, called Thomas,
so aggressively that they were put
out of proper balance, causing
strain on his muscles and joints,
leading to pain and lameness.
As Thomas deteriorated, the man
failed to advise that a veterinary
surgeon should be called in.
Instead, he trimmed Thomas'
hooves aggressively again, this
time gluing on rubber boots and
using a heat source to make the
bond permanent, a technique he
had seen on YouTube. As a horse's
foot sweats, if no air can circulate
an environment is created in
which infection can thrive. The
boots were left on for five days.
He did not advise Thomas'
owners about the maintenance of
the boots and he did not return.
When a farrier was called, he
could smell the infection from
some distance away.
The infection was treated with
anti-bacterial pads and Thomas
was shod with appropriate shoes.
Happily, he made a good recovery.
Investigating officer:
RSPCA Inspector
Jackie Hickman
Defendant:
Male 30, barefoot
hoof trimmer
Offences:
Animal Welfare Act 2006 s4
and s9
Pleas:
Not guilty
Total convictions:
Two
Sentence:
200 hours community
service; £5,000 costs.
Prosecuted by:
Pickering & Butters Solicitors
Investigating officer:
RSPCA Inspector Nicky Thorne
Defendant:
Male 72, retired
Offences:
Animal Welfare Act 2006 s4
and s9
Pleas:
Guilty
Total convictions:
Three
Sentence:
Disqualified from
keeping animals for life;
23 weeks' imprisonment.
Prosecuted by:
Gotelee Solicitors
SUFFOLK
PERSONS
CONVICTED 4
TOTAL
CONVICTIONS 17
STAFFORSHIRE
PERSONS
CONVICTED 15
TOTAL
CONVICTIONS 39 SuffolkA man who left his dying pony propped up against a
car tyre received his fifth animal cruelty conviction
in 14 years.
The 18-month-old piebald colt,
called Whiskey, had been left lying
in an open field and then dragged
behind a tractor to an open
shelter where he was propped up
on a cold concrete floor without
adequate bedding.
Whiskey was dull and barely
responded to human presence
when RSPCA Inspector Nicky
Thorne attended. He made no
attempt to get up and it was
apparent he had been down for
some time. His quarters were
soaked in old urine.
The vet confirmed Whiskey was
suffering from a severe worm
infestation. He had no body fat
and was in an advanced state of
emaciation. He was euthanased to
end his acute suffering.
In passing sentence the district
judge said: "[The owner]
shows absolutely no remorse
or willingness to accept
responsibility for his actions now
or in the past."
The man appealed his sentence,
but this was dismissed and he
was ordered to pay a further
£1,000 costs.
StaffordshireA man who presented himself as an expert in treating
horses with hoof problems caused unnecessary
suffering to a horse, rendering him lame.
32PROSECUTIONS
Annual report OUR FRONTLINE WORK
2014