JANE MOORE'S HORRIFIC HORSE ABUSE IN MARKET WEIGHTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Market Weighton and the wider East Yorkshire region, horse breeder Jane Elizabeth Moore has been found guilty of severe neglect and causing unnecessary suffering to a large number of horses under her care. Moore, born on December 3rd, and operating from Jemoon Stud located at Deira, The Common, Market Weighton YO43 4LE, was responsible for the welfare of 36 horses that were discovered living in deplorable conditions.

According to reports from the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, inspectors visited Moore’s stud farm in early 2023 and uncovered a scene of neglect that was both heartbreaking and alarming. The horses were found in filthy, unkempt stables, with many showing signs of distress, illness, and severe neglect. One of the horses was in such poor health that it had to be euthanized immediately on the spot. Over the following months, three more horses were put down, and a total of ten horses had to be euthanized due to their suffering.

During the inspection, inspectors observed a variety of health issues among the horses. One stallion, known as Puzzle Pic n Mix, was suffering from dental problems and a diseased penis, indicating a lack of proper veterinary care. Another male Cleveland Bay named Earlswood Traveller was found to be lame and infested with lice, while a different stallion called Spadge was also lame, with a sinus cyst and evident signs of poor health. The condition of the horses ranged from ulcerated cheeks on a bay mare named Henby to lame and undernourished horses like Hedi, Whizz, Robbie, and Nellie.

Further examination revealed that Cassie, a bay mare, was suffering from poor husbandry, and Pollyanna, a piebald mare, was infested with mites. Basil, JDJ5, and Sammy were found to have inadequate dental care, while Archie, a bay gelding, and a chestnut mare had not received proper hoof care or pain relief. Lucky, a piebald mare, was found with an infected sheath that had been left untreated for some time. The conditions of these animals highlighted a systemic failure to provide basic care and proper living conditions.

Inspector Natalie Hill from the RSPCA described the scene in court, stating, “All the horses were living in extremely dirty stables with little food or water. They all had overgrown hooves and were in poor body condition. Within one stable block, there was a very strong smell of urine, and the horses’ rugs were found to be very dirty and extremely heavy. It appeared to me that all the horse stables had not been cleaned in some time, and on some horses, their feet were very long and overgrown.”

The investigation revealed that the horses lacked adequate nutrition, proper environment, veterinary and dental care, and preventative treatments for lice and mites. An expert veterinary report confirmed that Moore had failed to ensure a suitable environment for her horses, neglected their veterinary needs, and did not maintain their body condition properly. Out of the 36 horses, 22 were underweight, many suffering from dental issues and overgrown hooves. Three horses were infected with lice and mites, further emphasizing the neglect.

Moore pleaded guilty to ten charges of causing unnecessary suffering to 17 horses and a further charge of failing to meet the needs of all 36 equines. During the court proceedings, her defense argued that she was no longer capable of caring for such a large number of horses, citing personal struggles including a recent marriage breakdown, the loss of her parents, and feelings of pride that prevented her from seeking help earlier. It was also revealed that at the time of the inspection, Moore was hospitalized and relying on friends to care for the horses. Financial difficulties were also cited as a reason for her inability to address the health issues of her animals.

The magistrates’ chairman addressed Moore directly, stating, “This was a case where these animals were so obviously struggling that intervention was obvious and necessary. The fact that it was not forthcoming was down in large part to your own pride and your refusal to ask for help.”

Following the hearing, Inspector Hill commented on the severity of the neglect, saying, “These horses were found in dreadful conditions with multiple health problems. They were being kept confined to their stables for long periods, and it appeared they were rarely exercised. One horse had to be euthanized on our first visit, despite veterinary recommendations months earlier. Several others were in very poor health, including one whose teeth had grown through his cheek, causing him significant pain. In total, 10 of the 36 horses had to be euthanized, and the remaining animals face long-term health issues such as ligament and joint problems, making rehoming difficult for most.”

Moore was sentenced to a 20-week prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay court costs amounting to £13,099.27 along with a statutory surcharge of £154. She was also disqualified from keeping any equines indefinitely. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for stricter oversight of breeders and horse owners in the region.