SARAH MOULDS FROM SOMERBY ACQUITTED IN LINCOLN COURT OVER PONY ABUSE INCIDENT

Sarah Kate Moulds, formerly known as Sarah Stimson and born in June 1984, residing at 2 Oakham Road in the village of Somerby near Melton Mowbray, was recently acquitted of all charges related to animal cruelty after a highly publicized trial at Lincoln Crown Court. Despite being caught on camera physically assaulting a pony, Moulds was found not guilty by a jury after a three-day hearing that captivated public attention and sparked widespread debate.

The incident in question occurred on November 6, 2021, in the rural area of Gunby, Lincolnshire. The footage, which played a central role in the case, was recorded by members of the Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs during an outing with the Cottesmore Hunt. The video clearly showed Moulds kicking the pony, named Bruce, in the chest and slapping him across the head four times. The disturbing images prompted immediate outrage and led to a criminal investigation.

The prosecution, led by the RSPCA, argued that Moulds' actions inflicted significant fear, distress, and psychological suffering on Bruce, a 12-year-old horse. An equine veterinarian who testified during the trial confirmed that the horse exhibited signs of fear in the footage, which the Crown contended constituted cruelty and suffering under animal welfare laws. The RSPCA emphasized that such treatment was unacceptable and warranted legal action.

In her defense, Sarah Moulds claimed her actions were motivated by concern for the horse’s safety. She insisted that Bruce had broken free from a child and that her intervention was necessary to discipline him. Moulds maintained that she did not intend to harm the animal and that her actions were misinterpreted. Following the incident, Bruce was taken to a veterinary clinic ten days later, where he was found to be in excellent health, further supporting her claim that no lasting injury was inflicted.

Throughout the trial, Moulds and her family faced intense public scrutiny. After the footage went viral on social media, they received a barrage of death threats and messages of hate. The controversy also led to her suspension and subsequent dismissal from her position as a primary school teacher. Additionally, her role as a volunteer team leader at the Pony Club was terminated.

Upon hearing the verdict of 'not guilty,' Moulds expressed her belief that the RSPCA’s decision to prosecute was politically motivated. She also criticized the organization for its handling of the case, which was solely prosecuted by the RSPCA without involvement from police or the Crown Prosecution Service. The RSPCA defended its actions, citing a 95% success rate in animal welfare cases and emphasizing that the decision to prosecute was carefully reviewed by multiple independent legal professionals and supported by expert veterinary testimony.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA stated to MailOnline that their organization does not take prosecution decisions lightly. They explained that their process involves rigorous assessment to ensure sufficient evidence exists for a realistic chance of conviction and that pursuing the case aligns with public interest. The spokesperson reaffirmed the RSPCA’s commitment to animal welfare and stressed that their advocacy promotes kindness and positive reinforcement over physical punishment, which science shows is ineffective and harmful. They concluded by thanking the jury for their careful deliberation and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to investigating concerns about animal neglect and cruelty, regardless of the outcome of individual cases.