SHANE SIMS FROM KINGWOOD BRISTOL SENTENCED FOR HORSE NEGLECT IN BRISTOL AND WESTERLEIGH

Shane Paul Sims, born on August 20, 1988, and residing on Gilpin Close in Kingswood, Bristol, has been convicted of serious animal welfare offenses involving two horses, Denz and Soul. The case came to light after multiple concerns were raised by members of the public, prompting an investigation by the RSPCA, which ultimately led to Sims pleading guilty in court.

According to reports, Sims left the horses in a muddy field in Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire, with no adequate food or care. The situation was dire enough that one of the horses, Denz, was found dead on the ground, while the other, Soul, was severely underweight, with his bones clearly visible through his skin. The conditions of neglect were so severe that there was no evidence of supplementary feeding, hay, or any form of proper nourishment in the muddy enclosure.

When RSPCA officers arrived at the scene, they immediately recognized the urgent need for veterinary intervention. An examination of Soul revealed a body condition score indicating prolonged malnutrition. The vet’s report detailed that Soul’s poor health was likely the result of an inadequate diet over a period of approximately two months. The report also noted that Soul was suffering from thrush in the deep crevices of his hooves, a condition caused by standing in wet conditions without routine hoof care. Further tests showed that Soul had a significant worm burden, but no other underlying health issues were identified that could explain his poor condition, aside from the extended period of starvation.

Post-mortem examination of Denz confirmed that the horse had been starved to death and was suffering from a high worm burden. The veterinarian stated that Denz’s emaciation was unlikely to have developed in less than a month, indicating a prolonged period of neglect. The veterinarian also expressed confidence that Denz would have experienced considerable suffering during his final days, describing his condition as extremely distressing and painful.

RSPCA Inspector Dan Hatfield, who led the investigation, expressed gratitude to the members of the public who reported Soul’s condition, which was instrumental in rescuing him. Inspector Hatfield emphasized that there is no justification for neglecting animals and that owners have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their animals’ needs are met, including proper diet and routine care. He described the scene upon rescue as heartbreaking, noting Soul’s shocking state alongside the lifeless body of Denz. Fortunately, Soul was given immediate care by the HorseWorld Trust charity, and he has since made a full recovery.

During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that Sims did not intentionally cause harm to the horses. The court heard that Sims claimed to have no knowledge of horses’ needs, despite his partner, Mollie O’Connor, who is the mother of some of his children, owning a horse herself. This lack of awareness was considered in the sentencing.

As a result, Sims was sentenced to an 18-week prison term, suspended for 24 months. He was also ordered to pay a fine of £200. Additionally, the court imposed a ban on Sims from keeping any equines for ten years, although he has the right to appeal after eight years. The ban is set to expire in August 2034, serving as a significant measure to prevent future neglect. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of owners to care for their animals properly.