CHELSEA FRANCE OF BATLEY BANNED FROM KEEPING EQUINES AFTER PONY NEGLECT

Chelsea J France, born around 1995 and residing on Healey Street in Batley WF17 8BZ, was convicted in 2019 for allowing her rescue pony's hooves to become painfully overgrown. France pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The court learned that her grey Welsh mare, Rosie, endured pain and discomfort over a four-month period.

France described Rosie as 'feral' and claimed it was impossible to catch her to trim her hooves. The offence took place between April and August 2018 while Rosie was kept in fields off Portal Crescent in Mirfield. An RSPCA inspector visited the location on August 14, 2018, and observed that Rosie’s hooves were significantly overgrown. Andrew Davidson, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, stated, "These would have caused discomfort and suffering and would have taken some considerable time to get to that state."

Members of the public reported to the inspector that a young woman, France, had infrequently attended to the pony but had not addressed her hoof care. A veterinarian examined Rosie and confirmed she was suffering.

France explained that she had owned Rosie since a traveler dropped her off in November 2017. Mr. Davidson noted, "She was in a poor condition then and her feet needed to be trimmed. She described her temperament as nervous and difficult to handle. After Christmas, she started trying to catch Rosie but this was impossible due to her nervousness."

Despite efforts to arrange for a farrier, France was unable to catch Rosie for hoof trimming. However, the RSPCA and vet managed to catch the pony on the same afternoon and carry out the necessary care. The court heard that France’s efforts were well-meaning but not wholly competent, with Mr. Davidson stating, "It’s well-intentioned but not wholly competent care."

Mitigating solicitor Lesley Cowling told the court that France immediately agreed to surrender Rosie to the RSPCA. She explained, "She bought Rosie off Facebook from an establishment closed due to animal abuse and cruelty. She felt sorry for her, and the thought of her being put to sleep made her quite upset. When she first got Rosie, she was underweight, and her feet did need trimming, but not to this extent."

Miss Cowling added that France successfully improved Rosie’s condition through diet and fresh water. Although Rosie was nervous initially, France attempted to get a farrier to trim her hooves but struggled due to her feral nature. She acknowledged she should have contacted a vet sooner but hoped she might help Rosie become more accustomed to handling. France also considered darting Rosie but decided it was more extreme and unnecessary.

In sentencing, the court imposed a ban on France from keeping any equines for one year, although this ban has since expired. The case was covered by Examiner Live.