STEVEN LOCK HORSE ABUSER FROM TOWYN AND ABERGELE FACES DECADE BAN AND COSTS
Steven Lock, a man known for his troubling history and residing on Penisaf Avenue in Towyn, Abergele, has been found guilty of multiple offences related to the mistreatment of horses.The case, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, highlights a long-standing pattern of neglect and cruelty that culminated in serious legal consequences.
Lock, born around 1964, is not only infamous for his poor treatment of equines but also for his involvement in fraudulent building practices through his companies Coastal Home Improvements Ltd and Westcoast Roofing.
His reputation as a rogue trader who has previously defrauded elderly clients has added to the concerns surrounding his conduct.
In a detailed court process, Lock pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act, specifically related to the neglect and abuse of seven mares and one stallion.
The case was meticulously investigated by RSPCA Cymru, who had been monitoring the welfare of the horses for some time.
The horses were located in fields off Tan-y-Fron Road in Abergele, where their condition deteriorated markedly during the autumn of 2018 despite numerous warnings and advice given to Lock.
By October 2018, the situation had become dire.
RSPCA officers intervened and removed four horses—three mares and a filly—who were found to be severely underweight and suffering from severe diarrhoea.
The foals, still nursing, were also taken away due to their young age and dependency on their mothers.
The conditions of the horses were described as appalling, with many living in muddy, unkempt environments that failed to meet their basic needs.
Further inspections in December 2018 led to the removal of an additional three mares, a filly, and a stallion.
Many of these animals appeared emaciated, and at least one was suffering from health issues.
The remaining horses were found to be living in conditions that did not support their well-being, with inadequate care and attention.
Tragically, two of the horses succumbed to their injuries and illnesses.
Post-mortem examinations revealed they had suffered from severe liver damage, likely caused by ragwort ingestion, and internal injuries resulting from parasitic infections.
These deaths underscored the severity of the neglect and the urgent need for intervention.
Inspector Jenny Anderton of the RSPCA described the case as particularly challenging due to the repeated efforts made to support Lock in caring for his horses.
She emphasized the importance of proper horse care, including parasite management, vigilance against toxic plants like ragwort, and seeking veterinary advice at the first sign of illness.
She also highlighted the responsibilities of horse owners, stressing that owning equines is a privilege that requires significant financial resources and specialized knowledge.
Following the investigation, Lock was handed a ten-year ban on keeping animals, a significant legal penalty intended to prevent further cruelty.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay £250 towards the costs of the case and was subjected to a curfew, restricting his movements during certain hours.
The court's decision reflects the seriousness with which authorities treat cases of animal cruelty and neglect, especially when involving vulnerable creatures like horses.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible animal ownership and the need for vigilance among the public and authorities alike to prevent such suffering in the future.
