CONVICTED (2020) | horse abattoir operator Stephen John Potter, born April 1965, of Whistley Farm, Whistley Lane, West Harptree BS40 6HD
Two businesses, F Drury & Sons Ltd, of Tockenham Corner, Swindon, SN4 7PF and LJ Potter Ltd of Whistley Farm, West Harptree BS40 6HD together with Stephen Potter, who is the director of both companies, were found guilty of animal welfare offences following a prosecution brought by Wiltshire Council Trading Standards.
On 22nd October 2018, LJ Potter Ltd transported a horse from Northern Ireland along with a consignment of other horses to Drury’s abattoir. The lorry arrived at the abattoir late at night and as the horses were being unloaded from the lorry, a grey mare was found to be lying on her side and unable to rise. CCTV footage viewed by the court showed the horse attempting to stand five times, but continually falling over until eventually she managed to stand unable to bear weight on her right fore leg and reluctant to move.
The court heard evidence from expert witnesses who viewed the CCTV footage that in their opinion, at that stage, either a vet should have been called to assess the condition of the horse, or she should have been put down. Instead, the court heard that Stephen Potter, who was not present at the abattoir but was viewing the unloading of the horses, instructed the driver to transport the grey mare on a further journey from the abattoir to his farm in Somerset.
The vehicle departed but soon returned to the abattoir as the horse had somehow managed to stand during the journey. The horse was unloaded from the vehicle and CCTV footage showed her being unable to walk on her front leg. Experts giving evidence for the prosecution were clear that the horse was suffering, needed urgent veterinary attention and was not fit to be transported.
The mare was left alone in the lairage at the abattoir overnight until she was noticed by the vet on duty at the abattoir early in the morning. He took the view that the animal was in a severe condition, breathing rapidly, distressed and therefore needed immediate destruction.
District Judge, Tim Pattinson, said that Potter ‘had made an error of judgement that had resulted in a horse suffering for several hours which could, and should have been avoided. In this country we expect high standards of animal welfare especially in commercial activity’.
Judge Pattinson also said that Potter had shown an excessively relaxed approach to the problem and had underplayed the pain and suffering of the horse.
The case, brought by Wiltshire Council Trading Standards, resulted in a total penalty of £22,170 divided between the two companies and Stephen Potter and included costs of £10,000 awarded to Wiltshire Council.
Additional Information
In November 2010 Animal Aid exposed shocking cruelty at F R Drury. Undercover footage obtained by the group showed sheep being decapitated whilst still alive, calves slipping and collapsing repeatedly to the floor for three hours and goats leaping into the killing area to try to evade the stunning tongs.
Disgusting Behaviour Towards Animals.
He Should Be Closed Down.
Also Banned From Being Allowed To Open Another.
Especially Since His Places Has Been Exposed Previously. To Cruelty Beforehand.
How the he’ll has he managed to get away with it this is so sick to read what more have they got away with
He should be hung, scum of the earth!!
Vile human.. shouldn’t be allowed in any kind of animal related business .. shocking in this day and age
It’s about time these businesses were shut down, as the cruelty appears to have been happening for a number of years.😡😡
Absolutely heartbreaking close him down immediately and put him in jail 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
These place have a duty of care to uthernise animals with out suffering. If they break the rules automatically should be shut down and fined every penny they have . Also there should be more checks so the need for under cover camera will not be required.