JASON COOPER FROM LYMINNGTON CONVICTED OVER HORSE ABUSE IN SOUTHAMPTON AREA

Jason Cooper, a resident of Pound Road, Pennington, Lymington SO41 8EJ, was found guilty in connection with the mistreatment of a horse, an incident that drew significant concern from animal welfare organizations and the local community. The case centered around the suffering inflicted upon a piebald filly named Tippee, who was discovered in a severely neglected state on land near Admiralty Way in Marchwood, Southampton.

Cooper, known locally as a gypsy traveller, had been the owner of Tippee for only five weeks before her rescue. During this period, the horse was subjected to conditions that fell far below acceptable standards of care. The RSPCA, alerted by a concerned member of the public, responded swiftly to the distress call, enlisting the help of World Horse Welfare to ensure the horse’s safety.

Tippee was found tethered in an environment that was clearly unsuitable for her well-being. She was emaciated, with her ribs and bones visibly protruding through her skin, and was covered in lice, indicating a severe infestation that had gone untreated. Her hooves were overgrown and neglected, and her dental health was in a deplorable state, further evidence of the lack of proper care. The rescuers named her Tippee because of her unsteady gait, which resembled wobbling, a sign of her poor health.

Following her rescue, the police took possession of the horse, and an investigation was launched by RSPCA inspector Tina Ward. Inspector Ward emphasized that Tippee’s suffering was a direct result of inadequate care and neglect. She stated, “Tippee was being kept in inappropriate conditions and her basic needs were not being met. She was in poor bodily condition, her hooves and teeth were in an awful state, and she had an untreated lice infestation.”

It was revealed that Cooper had been warned by the Agisters to remove Tippee from the common land due to her deteriorating health. Despite this, he failed to provide the necessary care, demonstrating a clear breach of the standards expected of responsible horse owners. Inspector Ward highlighted that Cooper’s extensive experience with horses should have made him aware that neglect was unacceptable. “All horses need daily care and attention, especially those that are tethered. While tethering is not illegal, owners must ensure their animals’ welfare needs are fully met,” she explained.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the authorities and welfare organizations, Tippee was given a second chance. She has since recovered from her ordeal and is now awaiting a new, caring home. The case concluded with Cooper being sentenced to a fine of £180, along with £250 in costs. Additionally, he was banned from owning, keeping, or dealing in equine animals for two years, a ban that expired in 2020.

Inspector Ward expressed her gratitude to all involved in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and responsibility in animal care. She reaffirmed that the welfare of horses depends on the commitment of their owners to meet their needs and prevent suffering.