CHARLIE HINGLEY AND LUCIA STANTON FROM MEANWOOD CONVICTED OVER HORSE CRUELTY IN BIRMINGHAM AND WORCESTERSHIRE

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Charlie Hingley of Netherton, Dudley, and Lucia Stanton of Meanwood, Leeds, have been found guilty of neglecting and mistreating five horses, leading to the suffering and death of two of the animals. The case was brought before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, where both individuals pleaded guilty to charges related to horse cruelty, culminating in sentencing on 25 September 2023.

Charlie Hingley, born around 1996, residing at 55 Stoney Lane, Netherton, Dudley, admitted to causing suffering to four horses—Sonny, Celly, Luna, and Bobby—between December 2022 and January 2023. Lucia Stanton, born circa 2004 and living at 3 King Alfreds Walk, Meanwood, Leeds, also pleaded guilty to causing suffering to a miniature Shetland pony named Waffles during the same period. The court heard that the horses were found in a severely neglected state, with two having to be euthanized by veterinary professionals on humane grounds.

On January 22, 2023, witnesses reported seeing a tractor being used to lift a collapsed horse, Celly, in a field near School Lane, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. The witnesses contacted an equine bailiff, who responded promptly to the scene. Upon arrival, the bailiff instructed Hingley to call a veterinarian immediately. When the vet arrived, they discovered that another horse, Sonny, was also in a collapsed and critically poor condition, necessitating his immediate euthanasia. Celly, who was emaciated, was relinquished by Hingley to the bailiff and removed from the site.

Further concerns arose when the RSPCA was called to assess the welfare of Luna, Bobby, and Waffles. Inspector Suzi Smith attended the field on January 26, 2023, and expressed grave concern over the horses’ health. She observed that Luna, a piebald mare, and Waffles, a young Shetland pony, appeared to be in poor body condition despite their winter coats. Luna exhibited rain scald on her back, and both horses showed signs of significant underweight status, with visible ribs, pelvis, and spine. Waffles was found to be in a similarly poor state, with a dull coat and heavy lice infestation.

During her inspection, Ms. Smith also examined Bobby, a colt, in a separate field. She noted that Bobby’s spine protruded with a distinct shelf on each side, his pelvic bones were sharp, and he had little muscle mass, walking with a weak gait. The veterinarian confirmed that all three horses were suffering from neglect, with body condition scores of just one out of five, likely due to high worm burdens and poor pasture management. Hingley signed Luna and Bobby over to the RSPCA, while Waffles, owned by Stanton, was taken into police custody as Stanton was not present at the time. The horses were transported to an equine hospital for further treatment.

Despite veterinary efforts, Luna’s condition worsened, and she was euthanized to prevent further suffering. The vet’s report indicated that the horses’ coats were dull and scurfy, with heavy lice infestations, and Luna was suffering from extensive rain scald. The vet also confirmed that the pasture was poorly managed, with significant faecal contamination and high worm burdens, which contributed to the horses’ deteriorating health.

As part of the legal proceedings, Hingley was handed a ban from owning any equine animals for life, a measure that is irreversible and without appeal for ten years. He received two suspended 12-week prison sentences, a 15-day rehabilitation requirement, and was ordered to pay £400 in costs. Stanton was fined £300, ordered to pay £400 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £120. She was also banned from owning horses for ten years, with no appeal allowed for five years. Both individuals are disqualified from dealing, transporting, or arranging the transport of horses.

In the aftermath, Bobby was rehomed through the British Horse Society’s (BHS) second chance program, which aims to give rescued horses a new lease on life. The program is a collaborative effort between the BHS and welfare charities to ensure that horses like Bobby can recover and find suitable homes. The case highlights the importance of proper pasture management, parasite control, and regular health checks for equine welfare, especially during the winter months when horses are more vulnerable to neglect. The RSPCA inspector emphasized that horse owners should routinely check their animals’ body condition and remove rugs periodically to monitor for sores and weight loss, particularly in colder weather.

Both Hingley and Stanton showed remorse during the proceedings. Hingley’s character was described as good, and he expressed regret for his actions. Stanton’s mental health was also brought into consideration during sentencing. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting animal welfare and the importance of responsible ownership.