CONVICTED (2019) | Melissa Louise Hetherington, born 25 July 1974, of Cumbria Close, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5RY – neglected her horse and failed to give him veterinary treatment
Hetherington was found guilty of two offences of causing unnecessary suffering to a horse named Leo. The court was told how she had failed to take steps to remedy Leo’s foot abscess and treat his laminitis.
A third offence of failing to meet the welfare needs of a second horse, Bob, by not providing a suitable diet and putting the animal at risk of laminitis was also proved at the trial.
RSPCA inspector Jaime Godfrey said: “Leo was severely lame and was struggling to bear weight on his left front leg. His hooves were very long, misshapen and cracked.
“His hoof was later x-rayed and a foot abscess was found in the left forelimb which was the cause of the acute lameness. All four feet had evidence that Leo was suffering from chronic laminitis.
“Had the owner sought veterinary care earlier then his suffering could have been easily prevented. We are grateful to World Horse Welfare for taking in Leo and Bob.”
World Horse Welfare had been contacted by a concerned member of the public and an officer who visited the location made attempts to contact the owner to advise the horse needed to see a vet as soon as possible. They returned the next day and called a vet and the RSPCA.
Prosecutor Mark Jones told the court the incident was investigated by the RSPCA, officers from World Horse Welfare and a vet. The horses were seized by the police and placed into the care of the RSPCA.
Both horses were then taken into the care of World Horse Welfare and later signed over by the owner. The charity now hopes to find new homes for the pair.
World Horse Welfare field officer Rebecca Bedson added: “Leo was clearly in great pain, given the substantial size of the abscess. It was a pleasure to see his immediate relief once the pressure was released.
“He has made a good recovery at our centre in Norfolk and he and Bobby will soon be ready to find a loving new homes.”
Sentencing | fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a contribution towards prosecution costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge penalty of £100. Banned from keeping animals indefinitely.