A woman from Doncaster and a man from Darlington have both been banned from keeping equines for a decade after they were found guilty of severely neglecting nine horses.
Ann Duckitt of Kirkhouse Green, Doncaster and John Watson of Linton Gardens, Darlington pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at Doncaster Magistrates Court last month.
In May and June 2023, RSPCA officers, a World Horse Welfare expert and a vet visited Duckitt’s home and some locations nearby. Nine horses were found to be exhibiting major health problems and were being kept in unsuitable, unsanitary conditions contrary to the Animal Welfare Act so they were removed into the care of the two charities.
Two of the horses had to be euthanised and three were taken into World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Blackpool and have since been rehomed.
“These poor horses were badly neglected with severely overgrown hooves and unsanitary living conditions,” said Lynsey Harris, chief inspector for the RSPCA’s South Yorkshire inspectorate group.
“The equine vet who examined them reported that all nine had overgrown hooves, some so severe that hooves were curling under or over the foot, making them lame. In her opinion, most had never in their lives been seen by a farrier.
“They were living in terrible, cramped and unsanitary conditions on bedding that in some cases was a 2 foot (60 cm) high pile of faeces and old straw. This had resulted in severe thrush, infections and maggots in the feet of some of the horses.
“A suspected lack of dental care had led to some of the animals having severely sharp teeth and ulcerated mouths, and infestations of mites were making them itch.
“It is the horses’ owners’ legal responsibility to properly look after any animal in their care. Sadly, many of these horses suffered because of their owners.
“I implore owners to be realistic about the care they can provide, both physically and financially for any animal in their care. If they are unable to meet their needs, they need to take action, rather than leave them to suffer.”
Duckitt and Watson disputed or were unclear about who owned each of the horses.
“We had been visiting the location for several years, advising and educating the owners in the hope that the situation would improve,” said Sarah Tucker, World Horse Welfare field officer.
“Most owners are usually happy and willing to work with us, actioning our recommendations to improve the lives of their ponies, but on this occasion the advice had gone unheeded to the point some of the ponies were actually suffering. Unfortunately, the only outcome to this case was to assist in removing the ponies alongside the police and RSPCA.”
Duckitt was also sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, as well as 80 hours unpaid work and told to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £154.
Watson received a 15 weeks imprisonment sentence, suspended for 12 months, as well as 40 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £750 and a victim surcharge of £154.
Images © World Horse Welfare.
