OWNERS OF HORSE THAT LEFT RSPCA INSPECTORS 'HORRIFIED' BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS
A man and a woman who allowed a neglected horse to endure a severe, untreated skin condition—so distressing that an RSPCA inspector was "horrified"—have been prohibited from owning animals for a period of ten years.Wayne Kenneth Brown, 55, and Margaret Jean Southall, 83, residents of Broughton, Claverley, were responsible for caring for a horse named Dynamite.
They admitted to animal welfare violations after an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
Dynamite was emaciated and plagued by a serious skin disease, exhibiting hair loss, thickened skin, scabs, ulcers, and bleeding caused by intense itching and self-injury.
He also suffered from diarrhea and stomach ulcers, likely due to inadequate feeding.
Additionally, his large intestine contained sand, and inflammation was present in both his small and large intestines.
Despite his deplorable condition, the pair failed to seek urgent veterinary treatment or provide basic preventive healthcare.
RSPCA Inspector Fiona Howell, who led the investigation, was "horrified" upon first inspecting Dynamite.
She described: “He had 80% hair loss and wounds all over his face, head, and body, with the worst wounds located on his rear end from the dock of his tail to his thighs, and on his forehead.” She further remarked, “The skin covering his body looked like leather.
I was deeply shocked by his condition.
The horse was in a terrible state.” After the horse was seized by the RSPCA and transported for urgent veterinary care, Southall chose to euthanize Dynamite at her home instead.
A post-mortem examination by a veterinarian concluded: “All the issues and suffering observed in Dynamite could have been prevented with reasonable and practical measures.
It is my professional opinion that the owner failed to take appropriate steps to protect the horse from pain, injury, suffering, and disease.” In addition to a ten-year ban on keeping animals—which cannot be challenged for two years—Brown received a 12-month community order, 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, and 80 hours of unpaid work.
Southall was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, 25 RAR days, and was ordered to pay £200 in costs during her appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on August 21.
Following the sentencing, Inspector Fiona Howell emphasized: “Animals deserve better than to have their suffering disregarded.
Those responsible for their care must ensure their needs are met, including proper diet and veterinary treatment for health issues.”
