CONVICTED (2023) | Daniel Banham, born 6 September 1999, of Carters Hill Park traveller site, Carters Hill, Billingbear, Wokingham RG40 5QL – left his horse to suffer with a painful untreated skin condition.
Banham, a traveller, was visited by the RSPCA after calls of concern over a young horse in Fordingbridge in Hampshire who had severe skin lesions over his body. The lesions were crusty, the skin was dry, red and painful.
A vet carried out an examination of the unnamed horse and found him to be in a suffering state.
Banham was asked about the skin condition and said he thought it was rain scald so had used coconut oil on the lesions.
In their report, the vet said: “This horse was suffering from the consequences of inadequate management. The poor management led to dehydration, malnutrition, painful skin condition and severe liver disease that can have life-threatening consequences.
“He failed in his duty by failing to seek veterinary help for his horse’s very obvious and severe skin condition and concerning weight loss.
“Added to this his choice to apply coconut oil to his skin significantly increased this animal’s pain and suffering by conducting and amplifying the sun’s heat onto his severely damaged skin.”
RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it.
“They are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy.
“Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them. It’s so sad that, in this instance, that responsibility was not met.”
The horse was also signed over into the care of the RSPCA and can now be rehomed.
Sentencing | eight-week custodial suspended for 12 months; 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days; £300 costs and £154 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping horses for eight years.