WREXHAM MAN BANNED FROM KEEPING HORSES AFTER NEGLECT
A HORSE trader has been banned from keeping or managing the animals for ten years after RSPCA inspectors uncovered his neglect of several.Edward Caulfield, of Bryn Place in Llay, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court for sentence on Tuesday morning.
The 44-year-old had previously admitted three offences of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and three of failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Peter Mitchell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court that the offences came to light as a result of visits to assess the wellbeing of Caulfield's horses.
A "deterioration" in the condition of a number of horses was noted between November and December last year.
When the location was visited on December 4, the stables were described as "dirty," with concerns about some of the animals' health.
The following day, a vet and RSPCA officer attended to examine all of the horses.
A number of the animals were found to have overgrown hooves, with other issues such as ulcers, respiratory conditions, scabby skin and evidence of parasitism.
Following the examination, some of the horses had to be euthanised.
In interview, Caulfield accepted he was the owner of the animals, and the sole person responsible for them.
He indicated the condition of the horses was 'his fault' and claimed he "had a lot of family stuff going on." When talked through the conditions of the individual horses, he admitted it had been "his own stupidity" which led to the situation, and elaborated on the fact that his wife and father had not been well.
Mr Mitchell told the court the situation was over a "prolonged" period of time and was aggravated by the fact it involved multiple animals, as well as the fact he had not accepted professional advice given to him in the runup to the offence period.
Alun Williams, defending, made brief submissions to the court, having heard the views of District Judge Gwyn Jones on the appropriate type of sentence.
He told the court Caulfield now "has no involvement with horses." The point is made that there had been 10 visits over six years and the deterioration was very swift, from November to December.
"He got completely overwhelmed and said: I could not cope with too many horses." The Judge told Caulfield: "The offences you have accepted are that between November 20 and December 6 2024, you caused unnecessary suffering to a number of horses by failing to take adequate steps to ensure you addressed the poor body conditions and obtain veterinary support regarding those animals.
It is clear the deterioration happened very quickly.
The photograph [I have seen] clearly indicates those horses were in stables which had not been cleared over a significant period of time.
The offences you have accepted are that between November 20 and December 6 2024, you caused unnecessary suffering to a number of horses by failing to take adequate steps to ensure you addressed the poor body conditions and obtain veterinary support regarding those animals.
It is clear the deterioration happened very quickly.
The photograph [I have seen] clearly indicates those horses were in stables which had not been cleared over a significant period of time.
