AMANDA THORNE FROM ST WENN SENTENCED FOR HORSE CRUELTY IN BODMIN

In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates and the local community alike, Amanda Thorne, a resident of Little Skewes Farm in St Wenn near Bodmin, was found guilty of severe neglect and cruelty towards a group of 25 horses. The conviction stems from a series of charges related to the inhumane treatment and suffering of these animals, which were discovered in a deplorable state due to her neglect.

Despite denying five charges of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and one charge of failing to meet the basic needs of the horses, Thorne was convicted by a judge after a trial held in her absence in October 2019. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the suffering endured by the horses, which included inadequate shelter, insufficient food, and a lack of clean, fresh water. The horses were kept in conditions that lacked proper hygiene, with no dry lying areas or sufficient space for exercise, and they were not receiving necessary parasite control measures.

Among the horses, eight had overgrown hooves, a clear sign of neglect, and four were severely malnourished. One horse was suffering from multiple health issues, including a foot abscess, rain scald, lymphangitis, cellulitis, and various wounds requiring veterinary attention. Tragically, one of the horses succumbed to its condition and died. The remaining animals were rescued by the RSPCA, which took them into temporary care before they were placed with permanent owners. Fortunately, these horses have since made significant recoveries, thanks to the intervention and proper treatment they received.

During the court hearing, Nigel Weller, representing Thorne, urged the judge to consider her circumstances, stating, “I would implore the court that she has learnt her lesson going through court proceedings.” He also claimed that the risk of her reoffending was low. However, District Judge Diana Baker was unequivocal in her assessment of the case, describing the conditions as pitiful and emphasizing the severity of the neglect. She stated, “Horses were starving to death, there were not being treated for their ailments. Their hooves were not being trimmed. They were in a pitiful state.”

Judge Baker noted that Thorne had shown no remorse and had attempted to shift blame onto others. The case was brought to light by concerned members of the public who alerted the RSPCA, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in animal welfare cases. The judge acknowledged that the situation could have been far worse if not for the intervention of those who reported the neglect.

In sentencing, Thorne was given a six-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete a 15-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, wear a four-month tagging order, and pay £15,000 towards the RSPCA’s costs. Additionally, she received a lifetime ban from keeping any equines. The court also took into account her mental health issues, which were reportedly worsened by the court proceedings.

Following the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Jo Pearson described the case as one of the cruellest she had encountered. She expressed gratitude to the neighbours and members of the public who brought the plight of the horses to the charity’s attention, emphasizing that without their intervention, Thorne might never have faced justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare vigilance and the devastating consequences of neglect.