GAIL VINES FROM LAURENCEKIRK BANNED AFTER HORSE IN HORRIBLE CONDITION IN ABERDEENSHIRE

Gail Vines, a resident of Kinnear Square in Laurencekirk, has been legally prohibited from owning or caring for horses following a disturbing case of animal neglect that took place in Aberdeenshire. The case drew significant attention from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), which has previously been involved with Vines regarding her animals.

Vines, born around 1957 and originally from Shapinsay in Orkney, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to her pony, Eve. The neglect was so severe that the pony was on the brink of death without immediate veterinary intervention. The court proceedings revealed that Vines failed to provide her animals with proper care, including adequate nutrition, which resulted in Eve becoming emaciated, suffering from open skin lesions, lice infestation, and chronic diarrhea.

According to court records, Vines was under considerable personal stress at the time, juggling a divorce, childcare responsibilities, and her employment. As a result, she admitted to only checking on her nine horses sporadically, often just shining a torch into the field to ensure they were present. This neglectful routine led to the deterioration of Eve’s health, which went unnoticed until the SSPCA inspectors arrived.

On Sunday, February 28, 2021, SSPCA inspectors responded to a call from a concerned member of the public about the condition of the horses at Sunnyside Farm in Drumoak, Aberdeenshire. Inspector Fiona McKenzie described the scene: “When we arrived, the field was in a state of disrepair, with hazards such as loose fence posts and electric fencing wire lying on the ground, posing a risk of injury to the animals. It was immediately clear that one pony, Eve, was in an extremely poor state of health.”

Inspector McKenzie detailed the condition of Eve: “She was standing alone near the hay ring feeder, with her head hanging down. Her ribs and hips were protruding, and she was so weak that she lacked energy and appeared listless. She was covered in lice and had visible skin lesions. She was suffering from severe diarrhea, which was later diagnosed as caused by a heavy burden of redworms affecting her digestive system.”

It was evident that Eve’s condition had developed over several months, and her survival was at serious risk. The inspector emphasized that her condition was not an overnight development and that she was fortunate to have been discovered in time for treatment. Without intervention, Eve would have likely died.

Thanks to the care she is now receiving at an SSPCA animal rescue and rehoming center, Eve is gradually recovering. The hope is that she will soon be available for adoption and find a permanent, loving home.

In response to the case, the court imposed a five-year ban on Vines from keeping horses, which will expire in July 2026. Additionally, a deprivation order was issued concerning Eve, ensuring her continued care and protection. The court also issued a formal admonishment to Vines, meaning she will face no further punishment beyond the ban.

Inspector McKenzie expressed her disappointment and concern over the case: “We are pleased that Vines has been prohibited from keeping horses for five years, but it is deeply troubling that she failed to heed previous advice and assistance from the SSPCA. Her neglect caused Eve immense suffering over several months, suffering that could have been prevented with proper horsemanship and routine care, including regular feeding and worming. Her disregard for her animals’ health and wellbeing is unacceptable.”

Overall, this case highlights the importance of responsible animal ownership and the need for vigilance in caring for vulnerable animals. The SSPCA continues to advocate for better awareness and education to prevent such cases from recurring in the future.