COURTNEY LAYTON AND IAN TAIT FROM STOCKTON-ON-TEES SENTENCED FOR HORSE NEGLECT IN PORT CALDERA

In a disturbing case of animal neglect that unfolded in Stockton-on-Tees, two individuals, Courtney Marie Layton and Ian David Tait, faced justice for their role in leaving horses in deplorable conditions at an allotment site in Port Clarence. Both defendants pleaded guilty to charges of animal neglect spanning from March 11 to April 1, 2018, revealing a pattern of neglect that shocked local animal welfare advocates and the community alike.

Inspectors from the RSPCA were called to the scene after concerns were raised about the welfare of the horses. The conditions they encountered were appalling and highlighted the severity of neglect. One horse was found lying in thick, muddy terrain, completely immobile, while another was so emaciated that a veterinarian could feel his spine, ribs, pelvic bones, and shoulder blades through his thick coat. The scene was a stark contrast to what is considered suitable for equine care.

John Ellwood, representing the RSPCA in court, detailed the grim sights observed during the inspection. He described the makeshift stable as being riddled with hazards, including exposed nails and wire that posed a serious risk to the horses’ safety. During the inspection, an incident occurred where Harley, one of the horses, got his feet caught in a pallet, necessitating rescue. The environment was devoid of dry areas, grass, hay, or any form of adequate shelter or bedding. The entire allotment was soaked in wet mud and feces, with debris such as broken glass, rubble, wire, and a long piece of barbed wire scattered across the ground.

Veterinary assessments confirmed the severity of the neglect. The vet concluded that Blaze and Little Man, owned by Layton, were suffering from starvation and emaciation, clearly indicating they had been deprived of proper nutrition for an extended period. Meanwhile, Dinky and Harley, owned by Tait, were also found in similarly poor conditions. The distressing state of the horses prompted immediate concern and intervention.

The case was initially brought to public attention when Blaze, a pony, was seen collapsed on the ground. Concerned members of the public had been feeding him and subsequently alerted the RSPCA. An inspector found Blaze lying in thick, wet mud on his side, showing no effort to lift his head or stand. This sight underscored the urgent need for intervention and rescue.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that Layton was heavily pregnant at the time of the offenses and struggled to care for the horses daily. Her defense attorney, Danielle Hewitt, described her as a “vulnerable person” who was remorseful for her actions. She explained that Layton had been dealing with personal issues and had only kept the horses at the allotments temporarily. Tait’s involvement was also minimal, with the court being told that he had only kept his horses at the site for one night.

Following the intervention, the horses received proper care from the RSPCA and have since made a full recovery. They are now free from parasites and have regained a healthy weight. The two horses, Blaze and Little Man, who had been starved, are now in good condition, indicating the effectiveness of the rescue efforts.

In sentencing, Courtney Layton was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for causing unnecessary suffering to the animals, along with an additional 12-week sentence for failing to meet their needs, with both terms running concurrently. Ian Tait received a 12-week jail sentence for neglect. Both defendants were disqualified from keeping animals for a period of 10 years, a ban that will expire in August 2028. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of authorities to protect vulnerable animals in Stockton-on-Tees and beyond.