A livery yard manager in West Sussex has been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to two horses.
Lynda Smith, also known as Lynda Kennedy, was found guilty at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on 16 September.
The 34-year-old of Beaumont Park, Littlehampton, was accused of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the welfare of two horses known as Hamish and Ava, between August 2015 and February this year.
The RSPCA received a complaint about the condition of Hamish and Ava, who were owned by Smith and kept at stables at Lickfold Farm in Wiggonholt, Pulborough.
Both horses were found to be emaciated and malnourished.
RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley tried to contact Smith by telephone and left notices at the stables, but these were ignored.
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A vet was called out to the yard and confirmed both horses were suffering.
Police removed them and placed them into RSPCA care.
Hamish after recovery
“For months these poor horses suffered because Lynda Smith failed to get a vet out to them, even though they rapidly were losing body condition,” inspector Woodley said.
“Quite simply these horses were not provided with adequate feed and a reasonable level of care.
“Smith ignored my attempts to contact her to offer advice on improving their welfare.
Ava following recovery
“Thankfully both horses have been in the care of the RSPCA for some time now and are looking fantastic. It’s sad to think these horses suffered so much but now this case had concluded they can go on to find the caring forever homes they deserve.”
Smith was found guilty of three offences of causing unnecessary suffering under section 4 and one welfare offence under section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, but acquitted of one allegation of poor welfare relating to a horse’s teeth.
The horses were taken out of Smith’s care and she received a £900 fine and was ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
