CONVICTED (2023) | Andrew Allen, born c. 1977, and Siobhan Barker, born 5 December 1997, of Boltsburn Crescent, Rookhope, Bishop Auckland DL13 2AT – neglected a pony found in a frozen field surviving on mouldy hay.
Allen and Barker, who have four children, admitted three animal welfare offences in relation to piebald cob pony Pluto, who was found with lice, rain scald, and overgrown hooves in a frozen, barren field in Rookhope on January 20, 2023.
When visited by RSPCA inspector Lucy Green and a rep from charity World Horse Welfare, all Pluto had to eat was mouldy hay.
After the visit, a vet attended and confirmed Pluto was underweight and suffering.
The court heard how Barker arrived on the scene and began shouting obscenities. Allen appeared shortly afterwards, and both refused to let anyone examine Pluto further.
Allen then even chased the pony around the field in hope of preventing him being caught, but Pluto was eventually loaded into a horsebox. The police were called and took Pluto into their possession.
The vet who examined Pluto on site, said in her evidence: “The pony was kept alone in a small paddock, it was bare and snow covered on the day of the visit. The water was frozen and poor quality mouldy hay was available in the shelter.
“On examination Pluto had a body condition score of 1.5/5 meaning he was underweight with bony prominences throughout the neck, back and hips due to little fat cover. The coat was very thick, lice were present and there was some rain scald on the pony’s back.”
Blood tests revealed evidence of anaemia, chronic inflammation, low protein and possibly muscle disease. Parasitology results also showed encysted redworm and tapeworm.
“In my opinion this pony was suffering from malnourishment due to inadequate feed and high parasite burden,” added the vet. “Horses are herd animals and being kept in isolation can have a negative psychological impact, therefore this pony was likely suffering from being kept alone.”
The court heard how the animal welfare organisations had had previous dealings with the defendants, whose other animals include dogs and sheep, and had warned them about Pluto’s lice and weight after a previous veterinary examination.
In mitigation the couple said their health and lack of ability and finances had contributed to the situation.
Pluto was taken to an RSPCA animal centre and has made a good recovery and will be now rehomed by the charity.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Inspector Green said: “Pluto’s most basic needs were not being met and he was in a very poor state of neglect. He’s got a lovely temperament and has integrated well with other ponies in our care – the staff at the animal centre adore him. We’d like to thank our colleagues at World Horse Welfare for their support and assistance with this investigation which has helped to ensure a much brighter future for Pluto.”
Sentencing |
Allen: 18-month conditional discharge.
Barker: community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.
Both of them were also told to pay £600 each in costs.
Both were banned from keeping animals for five years (expires October 2028).
