CONVICTED (2020) | William Ray Mitchell, born 9 July 1962, of Mitchfields Caravan Park, 191 South East Road, Southampton SO19 8LQ – left a tethered horse with overgrown hooves to fly-graze
The unnamed stallion, who Mitchell had used for driving, was tethered and fly grazed in a field near Southampton. He was eventually seized in April 2019 because he was deemed to be suffering.
The horse’s shod hooves were so long and bent up, he could no longer walk easily in his tethered circle.
Locals had to step in to feed and water the horse after his owner failed to attend to him, leaving him tethered in one area for several days at a time.
Sentencing: four-month curfew; costs and charges of £585; deprivation order on the horse. Two-year ban on keeping equines (expired March 2022).
Source: anonymous tip-off, confirmed at the courts.
The sentence that Billy Mitchell received for the way he neglected this horse was far too little! He should really have received more!
Fortunately this horse has been saved but it would now seem that this man’s movements must be monitored as he obviously has no concern for any animals welfare!
Not ‘far too little’ I’m afraid this man should be banned for life from ever keeping animals again. It amazes me how out of date our justice system seems.
Yes I think that my ‘far too little’ comment was naive and a ban for life would be more appropriate. And also I think that any hope of re-educating this man could be marred by any negatives attitudes towards animal welfare that he has grown up with. But I do think that education is a key towards shaping a persons’ attitudes towards animal welfare.
Hazel Kearns
I so agree with everyone who believes the sentence should have been for life. How people like this can sleep at night is beyond me – obviously no conscience. I have two rescued dogs and it is so rewarding to see them blossom and develop into beautiful animals, so it must be absolutely amazing to work at Hillside where so many animals are brought back to the wonderful creatures they are.
Should have a lifetime ban and much bigger fine
You will never change the mentality of these morons part of it is ignorance and part of it that they probably weren’t taken care of them by their parents who knows how this happens ! They should have a lifetime ban to stop the suffering of any animals !!!
The British Justice System is severely flawed. When a person is taken to court due to animal cruelty, in whatever circumstances, then the bans should be for LIFE. People who have traits of cruelty DO NOT change, especially after a smack on the wrist and fines. Animals have feelings, they hurt just as we do when all they know is cruelty. It’s time for people to take a stand and name and shame these heartless morons.
Very True. A Lifetime Ban should have been the minimum plus a really hefty fine and a very watchful eye on activities.
At the risk of being labelled ‘racist’ I wonder if his ancestery is Irish. They have a very bad record of this kind of activity in my county.
Although I have Irish ancestery, along with Viking, I and my family hold no court for those who abuse the horses they acquire or any other animal for that matter. The Viking aspect are also not best dwelt upon.
One of my rescued little dogs is from Ireland – so badly neglected it’s a wonder she survived. With loving care she is now a smashing little lady. One of my sons-in-law has part Irish ancestry and he is a lovely gentle soul, so perhaps its the way these cruel people are brought up.
Should be banned from keeping any animal for life!
Disgusted that this man could be allowed to own another animal after the conditions he thought fut for the poor horse he tortured
What a shame! This man should be banned for the rest of his life from keeping animals!
If not imposing a lifetime ban then part of punishment to be a requirement to volunteer at an animal sanctuary under appropriate supervision (provided by the Courts) for a considerable number of hours (100?). Sanctuary to be given a fee from the Courts for facilitating this. Might benefit sanctuary,and also educate the person concerned into better practice.
In theory doing volunteering at an animal sanctuary is a nice idea. But personally I think someone who can let a living animal suffer like that is beyond all help. Someone who is so cruel is obviously devoid of feelings. Ban for life! Also there should be a list naming all people who have shown acts of animal cruelty and neglect. So we can all have access to know who these scum bags are.
There is no doubt at all this man should be banned from keeping any animal. What an evil man.
This man should not be allowed to keep animals for life. What an evil man.
it is up to those who do care to watch this man and stop at the start any attempt to get and abuse another animal,
This man must not be allowed to own or ”care” for horses EVER again. The ban that was imposed was insufficient to prevent his continuing to own them once served. IT MUST BE EXTENDED TO A FULL LIFE PROHIBITION.. People who cannot afford the proper care,including veterinary and farrier attention when needed, should not own horses, or any animals.
This man should be banned from keeping any kind of animals for life and if I had my way I would tether him out in all weathers and ill treat him as he did to drummer, this goes for all the people that thinks it ok to be cruel
I totally agree with you, M Norris. One thing – I would make sure ‘kind locals’ didn’t step up to give him food and water.
Sorry Lyn but I cannot agree with you re the ‘kind locals’ remark as these people might surely have saved this animal’s life! Surely that’s more important than making a point. Plus some kind local phoned the authorities and got this animal the help he needed. So I would say thankyou to those people.
Thank you Hillside,
This man should get a jail sentence. To leave a eautiful animal tethered without a thought for its welfare is a cruel act, indeed.
Most appreciative Hillside cor all your hard work and support,
Where would we be without you
A dedicated supported,
S wright
Everyone, but everyone, found guilty of animal cruelty should be automatically banned from keeping animals or birds of any sort
for life. Full stop.
I like this idea but unfortunately it wouldn’t be a good thing for the animals, as volunteers who work with animals have big hearts which he clearly doesn’t have.
Banning these evil swines from owning animals is not punishment enough. Give them the same cruel treatment as they gave to the animal. And name and shame them. Pity they did away with the public stocks.
Trouble is, these vile people have no soul for living creatures, they abuse and think nothing of it
Trouble is, that these vile people have no soul or compassion for living creatures scumbags the lot of them
These people are just scum and they’re not going to change. It’s in their culture to abuse and harm animals.
People like them should be eradicated permanently from our society. No wonder they have such a bad name. Prison isn’t good enough. They will still continue to exist.
A long prison sentence would have been more appropriate, as well as a ban for life (enforced) on keeping any animals and a very hefty fine. Cruelty cases deserve better from this justice system. I am appalled. Thank goodness for Hillside, what an amazing job you all do .