CLAIRE HOLLIS FROM BISHOP’S STORTFORD SENTENCED FOR HORSE NEGLECT IN HARLOW AND NORFOLK

In a case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare organizations, Claire Kathleen Hollis, born on September 22, 1985, and with no fixed address, was found guilty of neglecting two horses she was responsible for. The neglect was severe enough to warrant her being banned from keeping any equines for a period of ten years. The incident took place in Bishop’s Stortford, but the consequences and subsequent rescue efforts extended to other locations, including Harlow and Norfolk.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, a well-respected charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of neglected horses, first raised concerns about the welfare of two horses, known as Peps and Rupert, in February 2021. Welfare officers from the organization contacted the RSPCA after discovering the horses in a field off Pond Lane in Bishop’s Stortford. The horses were in a dire state, prompting immediate veterinary intervention.

Veterinarians who examined Peps and Rupert confirmed that both animals were suffering from extreme malnutrition. The body condition scores for the horses were alarmingly low, with Peps and Rupert both scoring just 0.5 out of 5, indicating severe emaciation. The distressing condition of the horses was evident upon inspection, with their ribs, hips, and spines clearly visible through their coats. The horses also exhibited signs of neglect such as diarrhea running down their legs and skin irritations caused by rubbing against their harnesses due to discomfort.

Inspector Jessica Dayes of the RSPCA provided a detailed account of the situation. She stated, “It was immediately apparent when the mare’s rug was removed that she was in poor body condition. Her hips, ribs, and spine were all easily felt, and she was suffering from diarrhea. The rug was replaced because of the cold weather, but the vet expressed concern that she was hypothermic.”

Similarly, the Welsh pony, Rupert, was found to be underweight, with his spine and hips easily felt through his winter coat. The inspection also revealed that Rupert was infested with lice and had dandruff heavily present in his mane. An area on his hip was swollen and tender, indicating ongoing discomfort. The vet’s assessment confirmed that both horses were suffering unnecessarily under the provisions of Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which mandates the basic needs of food and water for animals.

The veterinarian emphasized that the poor condition of the horses was not a recent development but had been ongoing for weeks, allowing their body scores to deteriorate to such a severe extent. The neglect was characterized by a prolonged period of inadequate provision of food and water, which is a fundamental responsibility of any responsible owner.

During the court proceedings, the District Judge highlighted the evident suffering of the horses and criticized Hollis’s failure to provide proper care. The judge remarked that Hollis’s belief that the animals were in acceptable condition was an insult to the severity of their suffering.

Jo Franklin, Senior Field Officer at Redwings, expressed her relief and satisfaction with the outcome. She described the case as very upsetting but noted that both horses had made remarkable progress since their rescue. Currently, Peps and Rupert are settled at a Redwings facility in Norfolk, where they are receiving veterinary care and rehabilitation. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the charity’s staff, the horses are on the path to recovery.

As part of her sentencing, Claire Hollis received a community order with a curfew, along with costs and charges totaling £895. Additionally, she was handed a ten-year ban on keeping horses, ensuring she cannot own or care for equines during this period. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing need for vigilance to prevent such neglect from occurring in the future.