Lifetime ban and prison sentence for owner who neglected horses

A man from South Yorkshire has been given an 18-week custodial sentence after several neglected horses were discovered at his property last December.

The 25-year-old was also handed a lifetime ban on keeping equines after the animals were legally removed under the Animal Welfare Act.

World Horse Welfare were called out to the scene where Field Officer Sarah Tucker found a six-month-old foal collapsed and in a state of suffering.

“The collapsed foal had clearly been in a distressed state for some time. Because he was so weak we decided World Horse Welfare’s closest Rescue and Rehoming Centre was too much of a journey for this urgent case, so we worked with Bransby Horses to take them to the safety of their Lincoln centre,” said Sarah.

Despite the vet’s best efforts to save the foal, the young colt died shortly after the rescue and Sarah believes the owner got what he deserved.

“The sentence reflected the severity of this case and it is reassuring to know that Mr Groves will no longer be permitted to keep horses,” she said.

A further two ponies were removed after the man failed to comply with a warning notice from the RSPCA to improve the condition and welfare of the animals.

In conjunction with Mr Groves punishment, he was ordered to pay £750 in costs and a further £80 victim surcharge.