NEIL DUNCAN HARPER FROM LANGPORT FACES LIFE BAN AFTER HORSE ABUSE SCANDAL IN SOMERSET

Neil Duncan Harper, a resident of Montacute in Somerset and formerly of Parksey Park, Pitney in Langport, was convicted in 2017 for a severe case of animal cruelty involving the starvation of two horses and a foal. Harper, who originally hails from Uckfield in East Sussex, was found guilty on three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals under his care.

The case came to light after concerned members of the public contacted the RSPCA, alarmed by the apparent neglect and poor condition of the horses. An investigation revealed that Harper had failed to take appropriate action to address the health issues of the animals, which had deteriorated to a shocking degree.

One of the horses, a grey gelding named Aramis, was suffering from extreme weight loss, and Harper was found to have neglected to investigate or treat the underlying causes of his condition. Additionally, he did not ensure that a six-week-old colt named Tristan received proper nutrition. The condition of Meggy, the mare, was also neglected; she was in such a poor state that she was physically unable to produce milk to nourish her young foal.

Inspector Marie Griffiths, who was involved in the case, described the distressing scene: “It was heartbreaking to see horses so extremely thin and undernourished. It was particularly upsetting to find that Meggy had suffered such weight loss that she could not feed her foal. To let these horses reach such a shocking state is inexcusable. Aramis had been left to suffer so badly that he sadly passed away. Fortunately, both Meggy and Tristan have made a remarkable recovery, and I sincerely hope they will now find loving homes where they can live out their days in peace.”

Harper initially pleaded not guilty during an earlier hearing, claiming he had done everything possible to care for his animals. However, the evidence presented was sufficient to secure a conviction. The horses, Meggy and Tristan, were seized by police at the time of discovery and subsequently handed over to the RSPCA for rehabilitation and rehoming.

In sentencing, Harper was fined £400 and ordered to pay £1,000 in court costs. Additionally, he received a lifetime ban from owning horses, a measure aimed at preventing any future neglect or abuse of animals under his care.

The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of owners to ensure proper care and nutrition for their animals. The RSPCA continues to advocate for stricter enforcement and awareness to prevent such cases of cruelty from recurring in the future.