LORRAINE AND TOYAH POTTER OF EASINGWOLD SHED HORSES IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

Lorraine Potter, born around 1959, and her daughter Toyah Potter, born approximately in 2001, both residents of Regent Drive in Easingwold, York, faced serious legal consequences after being found guilty of neglecting four horses under their care. The charges stemmed from a case brought forward by the RSPCA, which accused the pair of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals, a violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

The incident in question occurred in March 2020, when RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell responded to a distress call from World Horse Welfare regarding a distressing situation at a field located on Sands Lane in Huby, North Yorkshire. Upon arrival, Ms. Mitchell observed a scene that raised immediate concerns about the horses' well-being. The field was notably lacking in basic necessities such as food and water for the animals, which included a group of six horses and one pony. The pony had managed to break into a separate enclosure secured with corrugated metal sheets and was found with its head inside a bag of food, clearly exhibiting signs of extreme hunger.

The environment was fraught with hazards, including discarded car batteries, a saw, and various pieces of wood scattered across the paddock. Despite the presence of rugs on the horses, Ms. Mitchell noted that it was impossible to accurately assess their physical conditions due to the inadequate environment. Some of the horses appeared visibly thin, which was concerning given the circumstances. The paddock itself was heavily poached, further indicating neglect and poor management.

During the inspection, the RSPCA, along with veterinary and police personnel, examined the animals. Four of the horses were found to be in a state of suffering. These included a gelding named Ronin, two mares called Maggie May and Missy, and an elderly gelding named Corrie. The horses exhibited signs of malnutrition, with some suffering from lice infestations. Corrie was additionally suffering from dental neglect, which compounded his health issues. A young piebald foal named Bracken, estimated to be between six and nine months old, was also identified as being in poor health. Another young horse, Star, a piebald yearling filly, was noted to have unmet needs, indicating ongoing neglect.

Following the inspection, the police seized the horses and transferred them into the care of the RSPCA. The animals were subsequently moved to a private boarding facility where they could receive proper care and rehabilitation.

In court, the defendants expressed remorse, with both Lorraine and Toyah Potter claiming to love horses and expressing distress over their failure to provide adequate care. It was also revealed that they had been subjected to threats and intimidation on social media, adding a layer of complexity to the case. The offences spanned from January 11, 2020, to March 11, 2020.

Sentencing for Lorraine Potter included a 16-week tagging order, a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and the imposition of costs and charges totaling £795. Importantly, she was disqualified from keeping any equines, mules, donkeys, or their hybrids for life, although she retains the right to appeal after ten years. Toyah Potter received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £722 in costs and charges. She was also banned from keeping equines for five years, with the possibility of appealing after just two years.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal neglect in North Yorkshire and underscores the importance of vigilant enforcement by authorities to protect vulnerable animals. The case was reported by the Northern Echo, Horse and Hound, and York Mix, emphasizing the widespread concern over animal welfare violations in the region.