MAURICE SMITH OF SHEPPERTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT IN TW1

In 2019, Maurice Smith, a Travelling individual born around 1988 and residing on Hawthorn Way, Shepperton TW1, was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Smith, who has a prior conviction for deceiving a 92-year-old woman out of her savings, pleaded guilty to the animal welfare charge.

Smith, a Gypsy traveller formerly based at Littleton Lane Caravan Park in Shepperton, also struggles with drug and alcohol issues. He was charged under the Animal Welfare Act after evidence showed he had subjected his horse, named April, to prolonged neglect and ill-treatment, leaving her in a state of extreme distress.

Witnesses first reported the situation in April 2018, describing the horse’s condition. The horse was found double rugged in temperatures of 24°C, without shade, and was sweating heavily.

Police responded to the reports and, observing April’s condition, decided she needed urgent medical care. She was seized under the Animal Welfare Act and taken to a vet for a full examination.

The vet diagnosed April as undernourished, with multiple sores, wearing poorly fitted handmade shoes that caused her foot pain, and suffering from worms or potentially a viral infection. The veterinarian noted that April had been subjected to poor management and undue suffering.

Initially, Smith denied ownership of April during police interviews but later admitted she was his, stating that he had asked a vet to examine her and that she was being treated with antibiotics. However, he failed to provide details about her treatment.

Court witnesses testified about the neglect April had endured. Smith was unable to account for the lack of care.

Investigating officer PC Chloe Hodgkinson commented: “This was a complex investigation which took many months to bring to fruition. I was called to deal with the incident and was shocked by the pitiful state April was in. Due to her condition, I decided to seize her under the Animal Welfare Act so she could receive immediate medical treatment.

“From speaking to a number of witnesses, it soon became apparent that April had been suffering over a prolonged period. I put a case together against her owner, Maurice Smith, which resulted in him being charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and being brought before the court last week.”

PC Hodgkinson added: “April has since received the necessary care and treatment and is making a good recovery. I hope this case will serve as a warning to other owners about neglect and underline that those caught will be held accountable.”

Smith was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £485 in costs and charges.

This case was reported by Eagle Radio.