HORSE ABUSE HORRORS IN BRIDGNORTH: GARY AND VICKY HART, STEVEN MORGAN, AND MARK WALKLATE CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bridgnorth and the surrounding areas, multiple individuals have been held accountable for severe neglect and mistreatment of horses at a property in Six Ashes. The case, which culminated in court proceedings in late 2022 and subsequent appeals in 2023, revealed a pattern of neglect that left dozens of horses suffering in deplorable conditions.

On January 27, 2021, the RSPCA responded to a distress call from local police concerning the welfare of horses at a farm in Six Ashes, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Accompanying the police, the RSPCA officers, along with veterinary experts, conducted a thorough inspection of the premises. Their findings were deeply troubling, revealing that three horses were in a state of significant suffering. Among these was an Appaloosa mare, a Palomino, and a skewbald filly. Tragically, the Appaloosa mare did not survive the ordeal, succumbing shortly after being removed for treatment.

According to the RSPCA inspector Thea Kerrison, who provided a detailed statement to the court, the condition of the horses was appalling. She recounted that she was present in the barn when the Appaloosa mare was led out, noting how visibly distressed and severely lame she was. Kerrison described her as stumbling across the barn floor, barely able to walk, even after receiving pain relief. The veterinarian on site considered euthanasia immediately but opted to keep her alive for further assessment. Unfortunately, her condition did not improve, and she was euthanised the following day.

Further inspection of the farm revealed that the environment was equally neglectful. The ground in the fields was described as extremely boggy, making it difficult for the inspectors to move without their wellies getting stuck in the mud. The stables were in a poor state, with wet, slushy floors and no dry bedding, creating an unsuitable and unhealthy environment for the horses. The stable areas housed various groups of horses, including a crowded group of five yearlings in one stable, with minimal space to move. The floors were covered in faeces and urine, and there was no evidence of bedding, indicating a lack of basic care.

Veterinary experts confirmed that all three horses were suffering, with the report stating that their suffering could have been easily prevented through proper veterinary care and adequate husbandry. The report criticized the owners for overstocking the property, which severely limited the space and resources available for proper care. It also highlighted the neglect of daily tasks such as feeding, mucking out, and health checks, which are fundamental to animal welfare.

In court, the defendants faced serious charges. Steven Morgan, Victoria Louise Hart, and Gary Hart were all convicted and sentenced in November 2022. Morgan and Victoria Hart received 26-week jail sentences, with half of that time served on licence, and were banned from keeping animals for life. They were also ordered to pay substantial costs and a victim surcharge. Gary Hart was similarly sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, banned from keeping animals for life, and ordered to pay costs and surcharges. All three defendants were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the horses and neglecting their basic needs.

Mark Walklate, of Kingswinford, Dudley, admitted to causing suffering to the horses and neglecting their needs. He was sentenced in March 2023 to 14 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay costs, a surcharge, and to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He too was banned from keeping animals for life.

In a significant development in December 2023, the lifetime bans imposed on Gary and Victoria Hart, as well as Steven Morgan, were modified following an appeal. The court agreed that the original blanket ban on all animals was excessive and unnecessary, given that the case primarily involved equines. The bans were amended to restrict the Harts to only horses, donkeys, and ponies, while Morgan’s lifetime ban from keeping any animals remained in place due to his prior convictions and history of neglect, including a previous ban from keeping dogs in 2015.

During the appeal, arguments were made that the presence of dogs on the property was part of a commercial breeding operation, which further indicated a disregard for animal welfare. The prosecution highlighted that the defendants viewed animals as commodities, which contributed to the neglect and poor conditions observed. The court was also reminded of previous convictions involving animal neglect, underscoring a pattern of irresponsible behavior among the defendants.

Judge Seanin Gilmore emphasized that the neglect was staggering and that the defendants were responsible for serious failings in animal care. She noted that the conditions in which the horses were kept—muddy fields, overcrowded stables, and lack of basic necessities—were unacceptable. While she acknowledged that the basic needs of the dogs appeared to be met during inspections, she pointed out that the overall pattern of neglect was evident and concerning. The court ultimately decided to restrict the Harts’ ban to only equines, while maintaining Morgan’s lifetime ban from all animals, reflecting the severity of their actions and the need for ongoing protection of animal welfare in the region.