A Lancashire couple have been found guilty at Ormskirk Magistrates Court of causing unnecessary suffering to two horses in their care.
Their 16.2hh 21-year-old Thoroughbred gelding called Dusty (pictured below) was found in an emaciated state by International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) field officer Chris Williamson and RSPCA inspector Ian Robertson on 28 September last year. They also found a very thin 15hh 16-year-old part-Thoroughbred mare called Amber.
Inspector Robertson said: We took one look at them and realised the situation was beyond help and advice. We seized the horses after a vet had examined them.
He said they had been living on barren land without regular supplementary feed.
Steven and Carol Jennings of Sutch Lane in Ormskirk were both given a 10-year ban on keeping horses and each was ordered to pay a £250 contribution towards costs. Mrs Jennings was also given a 12-month conditional discharge while Mr Jennings was ordered to carry out 80 hours of community service to be completed within 12 months.
Amber and Dusty are doing well at ILPH Penny Farm in Blackpool. Suitable loan homes will be found for them in due course.
www.ilph.org
