CONVICTED (2019) | Deborah Jane Hunt, born 1960, of Holbeach Close, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 3LD – left her horses with dirty water and no food
Cruel Debbie Hunt kept horses Paddy and Duchess in a stable in notorious Little Oaks yard in Frogmore Lane, Waterlooville.
The pair were kept in unsuitable conditions without access to suitable and sufficient food and fresh water, despite the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare giving Hunt repeated advice.
One of the animals was seen eating his own faeces because he was so desperate for food.
RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward said: ‘This was a case of prolonged neglect where the needs of Paddy and Duchess were simply ignored.
‘The horses were in stables, filled with faeces and no clean bedding to give a dry resting area.
‘There was no food available and the only water they had access to was a small amount of very dirty water at the bottom of a bucket.
‘I saw Paddy eating his own faeces and found it very upsetting – it was clear he was desperate for food. Bay mare Duchess had severely overgrown hooves that hadn’t been tended by a farrier which were causing her further distress.
‘Thankfully both horses have gone on to make a fantastic recovery with the right care and a suitable diet.
‘Duchess is doing well health wise but mentally she has a long way to go. She has never been with other horses and had grass. She is still learning what it is to be a horse and often stands at the gate looking to come back in.’
Hunt, who has links with serial horse abuser Josh Pedelty, was found guilty of three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in connection with the neglect suffered by Paddy and Duchess.
Sentencing: 12 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months; eight-week curfew; total of £865 costs and charges. Banned from keeping equines for five years with right of appeal after three (expires May 2024).