BISHOP AUCKLAND WOMAN BANNED FROM KEEPING HORSES
A woman from County Durham, Samantha Rush, was disqualified from keeping horses for three years after her horse was found in a severely malnourished state, too weak to perform basic movements like trotting.The 55-year-old, from Bishop Auckland, did not address the health issues caused by her bay colt Marvel, despite a veterinarian stating the problems had persisted for many weeks.
The animal showed signs of lethargy, was suffering from rain scald infection, and had painful ulcers in his mouth.
At a sentencing hearing held at Peterlee Magistrates Court, Rush pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the horse, resulting in her being banned from owning equines for three years.
This followed an investigation and subsequent prosecution by the RSPCA.
The case arose after an RSPCA Inspector met Rush at the entrance to a field on Pont Road, Leadgate, in Consett, on February 28.
The charity had received photographs depicting an extremely underweight horse.
In her statement, the inspector noted that Rush admitted the horse's poor condition but was reluctant to remove his blanket, fearing what was underneath.
An examination by a vet confirmed Marvel’s suffering condition, with blood tests revealing anemia, low calcium, and low protein levels, alongside a high white blood cell count, all consistent with malnutrition and infection.
The water trough in the field, a bath, was empty and appeared unused, though Rush claimed it was filled daily with water canisters, which she did not have with her at the time.
Court evidence included veterinary reports indicating that neglect of routine dental care had contributed to Marvel’s poor health, with mouth ulcers suggesting months—probably over six—of dental pain, which would have reduced his appetite.
Later assessments at a private boarding facility showed the horse was still underweight and unable to properly use his left hind leg due to muscle weakness.
By mid-May, although still fragile, Marvel had shown signs of improvement, was eating well, able to trot, and was going outside, indicating positive progress.
