HAMPSHIRE MAN GETS SUSPENDED JAIL FOR HORSE CRUELTY WITH 20-YEAR EQUINE BAN
A Hampshire man who caused unnecessary suffering to six horses at a farm near Woking has been given a suspended jail sentence and a 20-year ban on owning equines.Magistrates at Guildford heard that horses belonging to Russell Bennett at his site in Ripley had suffered from lice, parasites, weight loss, and respiratory conditions.
Officers found a heavily pregnant horse unable to produce enough milk for her foal due to her poor condition.
Bennett pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering between February and April 2024.
The 48-year-old, of Dunley Hill, North Warnborough, received an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to undertake 300 hours of unpaid work.
He is disqualified from owning horses, ponies, donkeys, and their hybrids for 20 years with no appeal for 10 years.
The court highlighted his previous good character, and he currently has no other horses, being a carer for his wife and adult daughter, and receiving benefits.
The horses were found in poor condition with visible bones, nasal discharge, and lice.
The RSPCA responded with Surrey Police, and six horses were removed into care.
The dun mare later died from colic, and the pregnant mare gave birth in care.
Inspector Kitchin described the situation as 'completely unacceptable' and expressed relief that the animals are now well and can be rehomed.
