Jail for former owner of Dujardin’s rescue foal

The previous owner of Charlotte Dujardin’s rescue foalhas been jailed for neglect.

Breached ban

Lisa Fletcher from Winchcombe, Gloucestershirehad already been banned from keeping horses for five years in October 2013, after pleading guilty to neglecting a grey Arab stallion.

The 48-year-old admitted to breaching the ban, as well as causing suffering to two horses in her care. According to RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith, the foal Santa was “very, very thin”.

‘Touch and go’

“The vet discovered he had a severe lung infection and was riddled with worms,” she said. “I don’t think he would have survived the week if we hadn’t got the veterinary care he needed.

“It was touch and go. He needed antibiotic injections twice a day and a great deal of TLC. Luckily he pulled through and has gone from rags to riches as he’s been adopted by Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin who has named him Santa.”

The other yearling called Frank was also thin, but has recovered well and the RSPCA hopes to find him a home in the future.

Life ban

Fletcher was given a 16-week custodial sentence, ordered to pay £2,000 costs and banned from keeping equines for life.

“I am pleased that the sentence in this case reflects the severity of the offences,” said Suzi.“Without veterinary treatment the outcome for these two horses could have been very tragic.”