CONVICTED (2024) | Mark Baker, born c. 1975, of Lyngford Place, Taunton TA2 7EP – neglected an injured and emaciated elderly horse so badly the animal had to be euthanised.

Baker was loaned 25-year-old horse Squealy between December 14, 2022 and February 16, 2023.

But instead of being kept in a clean and tidy stable, the elderly horse was found shut in filthy conditions with two rugs on. One rug had slipped and rubbed until it caused a large open sore on the horse’s back. His teeth were also in a poor condition and he was unable to properly consume his food.

The RSPCA launched an investigation with specialist equine vets horrified by Squealy’s condition. In their report, they wrote that there had been “no attempt … to palliate the horse or alleviate his pain, let alone investigate the cause of his poor body condition.

“He was not free from pain, injury or disease. His needs were not being met as specialist dental care was not sought or provided and his diet was not adequate given his additional needs.

“He was not free from hunger since he did not have access to a diet to maintain his health and vigour. He was exclusively confined to his stable in the barn alone and was denied freedom to exhibit normal behaviour since he did not have company of his own kind.

“His environment was not comfortable given the wet and soiled bedding he was found on. He was not free from discomfort. From my findings, it is my opinion that pain and suffering had been ongoing for many months.”

Due to the severity of Squealy’s condition, a decision was taken with the support of his owner for a vet to euthanise him on site.

In court Baker admitted two charges of causing or failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to ensure the needs of an animal were met between December 14, 2022 and February 16, 2023.

Sentencing Baker to a 15-year ban on keeping equines, the judge told him: “Looking after an animal is a privilege and you failed in that privilege and the court cannot allow you to fail again.”

RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “As a result of this not being noticed and addressed, the rug continued to rub and caused a large ulcerating wound. The degree of granulation suggested the wound wasn’t recent and either had not been treated or hadn’t even been noticed.

“Squealy also had very worn painful teeth and it was very evident from the environment that he had been dribbling his food for a considerable time as large amounts of dried food was stuck to his stable door. He was hungry but unable to consume the calories needed to maintain good health.”

Sentencing | 150 hours of unpaid work; £1,200 costs. 15-year disqualification order against keeping equines (expires 2039).

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