CONVICTED (2021) | Gail Vines, born c. 1957, of Kinnear Square, Laurencekirk AB30 1UL – banned from keeping horses after pony found in terrible condition covered in lice and open wounds
Vines, who is originally from Shapinsay in Orkney, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to her pony, Eve, who would have died without treatment.
She pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate care and treatment, including nutrition, leading to the pony becoming emaciated and suffering from poor body condition, chronic diarrhoea, skin lesions and an infestation of lice.
The court heard Vines had been juggling a divorce, childcare and work, so had only been checking on her field of nine horses on the way home, shining a torch to check they were all there.
She failed to notice Eve had become unwell and underweight due to redworms causing digestive issues and diarrhoea.
The SSPCA arrived at Sunnyside Farm in Drumoak, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday February 28, 2021, after a receiving a call from a concerned member of the public.
Inspector Fiona McKenzie said: “On attending we noticed the field was in a state of disrepair with numerous hazards that the ponies could become injured by such as loose fence posts and electric fencing wire on the ground.
“It also immediately became apparent that one of the ponies, Eve, was in extremely poor condition.
“She was standing on her own by the hay ring feeder with her head hanging down. Eve was emaciated and her hip bones and spine were clearly protruding. She was so weak, she had no energy and was listless.
“Eve was also covered in lice and had skin lesions. She was suffering from severe diarrhoea, which was later found to be caused by a heavy worm burden.
“It would have taken some time for Eve to get into this condition and it would not have happened overnight. She is incredibly lucky that she was found when she was as had she not received treatment she would have died.”
The Inspector continued: “We are pleased that Vines has been banned from keeping horses for five years and hope she will seriously consider her ability to look after any animal in future.
“I was absolutely shocked and disappointed by this case. Vines had received advice and assistance from the Scottish SPCA previous to this and should have prevented or recognised issues with her horses and addressed them.
“Eve was undoubtedly caused immense suffering over a period of several months. This suffering could have easily been avoided had the owner displayed good horsemanship. Her lack of daily care and feeding, along with routine worming, is good practice known by responsible horse owners.
“Vines’ failure to adhere to Scottish SPCA advice shows total disregard for her animal’s health and wellbeing.”
Sentencing: banned from keeping horses for five years (expires July 2026). Deprivation order in respect of Eve. The sheriff otherwise admonished Vines, meaning she faces no further punishment.
If you can’t cope with juggling the elements of your personal life, you cannot cope with owning nine horses. She clearly didn’t give a toss about their welfare as had not complied with SSPCA advice given before.
The sherrif was rather gullible her I think. A lifetime ban would have given her a stronger message.