OWNERS OF HORSE THAT LEFT RSPCA INSPECTORS 'HORRIFIED' BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS
A man and woman who permitted a neglected horse to endure a longstanding, untreated skin condition—leaving RSPCA inspectors "horrified"—have been prohibited from owning animals for ten years.Wayne Kenneth Brown, 55, and Margaret Jean Southall, 83, residents of Broughton, Claverley, were responsible for the care of a horse named Dynamite.
After an investigation and subsequent prosecution by the RSPCA, they admitted to offences related to animal welfare.
Dynamite was discovered to be underweight and suffering from a severe skin ailment characterized by hair loss, thickened skin, scabs, open sores, and bleeding caused by intense itching.
Additionally, he exhibited diarrhea, gastric ulcers, and intestinal inflammation, likely stemming from inadequate nutrition and veterinary oversight.
Despite his evident suffering, the defendants failed to seek immediate veterinary treatment or provide basic preventative measures.
RSPCA investigator Fiona Howell, who examined the horse, described being "horrified" by his condition, noting that he had lost 80% of his hair and had wounds covering his face, head, and body.
She likened his skin to leather and observed that he was visibly malnourished, with mud and feces in his field shelter.
Howell contacted the police to seize Dynamite for urgent medical attention; however, Southall chose to euthanize the horse at her residence instead.
A subsequent veterinary post-mortem concluded that his suffering could have been prevented with appropriate care, and that the owners had failed to take necessary steps to meet his needs.
At Birmingham Crown Court on August 21, Brown was sentenced to a ten-year ban from keeping animals, with a two-year window to appeal, along with a 12-month community order, 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, and 80 hours of unpaid work.
Southall received a 12-month community order, 25 RAR days, and a £200 costs order.
Inspector Howell stressed that animals are entitled to better treatment and that owners have a duty to ensure their animals receive proper diet and veterinary care.
