CONVICTED OFFENDERS STEVEN PEACHEY AND EMMA BENSON OF DISS, NORFOLK, FOR ANIMAL WELFARE BREACHES

Steven Charles Peachey, born 5 February 1990, and Emma Benson, born circa 1984, both of Common Road, Diss, Norfolk, were convicted in 2019 for neglecting their pony, Princess. The horse was left in a back garden that was unsuitable for her well-being, leading to her becoming emaciated and infested with lice.

Princess was kept in the backyard of a property owned by Benson and Peachey. Following visits by the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, it was determined that the garden was entirely muddy and unsuitable for the horse’s needs. As a result, Princess’s condition deteriorated, with her becoming very thin, suffering from scabs, and suffering from lice.

During a court appearance at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, both defendants pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act, including causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Prosecutor Jonathan Eales, representing the RSPCA, described the scene as “completely muddy and entirely unsuitable.”

The court was informed that in 2017, Jonathan Jackson from World Horse Welfare visited the property twice, providing Benson and Peachey with advice on proper care for Princess and arranging for a veterinarian to assess her. Despite the initial concerns, Princess’s condition worsened, and Jackson visited again in February 2018. He noted that the horse was then “looking bad,” prompting arrangements for the RSPCA and Mr. Jackson to revisit in March.

Concerned that Princess was suffering, the RSPCA took her into their care. Mr. Eales commented that “a responsible owner should have recognised that this horse was suffering.”

Mitigating the case, Malcolm Plummer explained that Benson sought help for Princess’s care and that her efforts, though well-intentioned, fell short due to “incompetent care.” He mentioned that Benson was experiencing serious mental health issues and that caring for Princess had been part of her attempt to stay on the right path.

Regarding sentencing, both Emma Benson and Steven Peachey were ordered to pay a total of £500 in compensation to the RSPCA. They were also banned from keeping horses for three years, although this ban expired in April 2022.

The case was reported by Diss Mercury.