BORDERS MAN FINED FOR NEGLECTING HIS HORSE WITH A MAGGOT-INFESTED WOUND
A Borders man, Ricky Martin, also known as Gary Martin, aged 31, from Houndslow, Gordon, was convicted following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.The court heard that Martin had neglected his horse, a 19-year-old stallion named Silver, by allowing it to suffer from a maggot-infested leg wound without providing veterinary treatment.
At a previous hearing, Martin pled guilty to failing to care for Silver properly, which is a violation of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Inspector Tracy McNaughton described the condition of Silver, noting that "Silver had a bandage on his left hind leg which looked like it had been on for some considerable time.
There was flesh growing over the top of the wound and it was covered in dirty puss." An independent veterinary examination confirmed that Silver's leg wound was horrific, with numerous maggots present and no veterinary attention given for a long period.
Silver suffered greatly as a result and needed specialized veterinary treatment, including leg casts and a skin graft.
Fortunately, Silver has since recovered fully and has found a caring new home.
Martin was ordered to pay £1,200 in compensation to the Scottish SPCA following his conviction on February 8, 2016, at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.
