Lifetime ban for Bolton horse owner who failed to care for six mares

LIFETIME BAN FOR BOLTON HORSE OWNER WHO FAILED TO CARE FOR SIX MARES

A man has been banned from keeping horses for life, and given a suspended jail sentence after failing to care for six mares.

The RSPCA prosecuted Joseph Hamer, 60, of Eagley Road, Bromley Cross, after he admitted to nine charges of neglecting the horses at his Rochdale farm.

This included not providing adequate food, medical attention, or satisfactory living conditions for the animals.

Four of these offences were related to causing unnecessary suffering to the mares under his care.

On November 7, he received an 18-week jail term, reduced from 26 weeks due to an early guilty plea, suspended for 12 months, at Wigan Magistrates Court.

Hamer now faces an indefinite ban on owning equines and will take 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

The investigation by RSPCA inspectors Ryan King and Beth Fazackerley began on January 20, 2025, after reports of animal welfare concerns.

Inspector Fazackerley visited Hamer's Lumb Farm in Rochdale and found at least three horses underweight and in poor condition.

An equine vet confirmed all six horses were underweight, ranging from moderate to very poor condition, and the environment was unsuitable with lack of shelter and grazing.

Two of the horses were pregnant.

The horses were moved to boarding stables for proper care, and while five recovered, one horse, Raj, was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

The RSPCA will take ownership and find new homes for the horses.

Inspector King expressed sadness about the case but was pleased the remaining horses had a second chance.