CONVICTED (2021) | Barry George Searle, born c. 1943, of Riverslea, Clearbrook, Yelverton PL20 6JB – badly neglected his two ponies – one of which needed an eye removed.
Pensioner Barry Searle was given a suspended prison sentence for failing to tackle infection, trim hooves and treat fleas and lice on his two ponies
Former riding stables/livery yard owner Searle failed to have horses Tinkerbell and Fudge treated by a vet over several months despite their obvious suffering.
Tinkerbell had an infected eye and four overgrown hooves which left her lame.
Fudge also needed hoof-trimming and both animals were infested with lice and fleas.
Searle admitted one count of causing unnecessary suffering and one of failing to meet the needs of the two mares.
The RSPCA said after the case that its inspector Claire Ryder worked with animal welfare charity Mare and Foal Sanctuary in May 2021.
She was joined by police when she attended the field where Seale kept his horses.
Insp Ryder said: “Tinkerbell came up to us and I noticed there were flies around her eyes. You could not see the left eye and the hole appeared infected. She also had overgrown hooves and was lame.
“It was also clear that Fudge and Tinkerbell’s feet were in need of attention.”
She shared pictures and video footage with a specialist equine vet and the horses were seized by police.
A vet then examined the ponies at a stable.
The vet discovered that Tinkerbell’s right eye, which was later surgically removed, was shrunken into the orbit, leaving her with swollen eyelids and a discharge.
The RSPCA said she was also lame with all four hooves overgrown, suggesting a lack of farrier attention for several months.
Fudge also needed hoof trimming and both horses were found to need treatment for lice and fleas.
Inspector Ryder, commenting after the sentencing, said: “While this was not caused by deliberate harm, this was prolonged neglect which resulted in suffering for Tinkerbell.
“Owners of animals have a duty to provide them with appropriate care and treatment. Mr Seale was aware of the concerns and had numerous offers of support to improve welfare but instead chose to ignore their plight.”
Both horses are now doing well in RSPCA foster care after recovering and receiving the treatment they needed.
Sentencing: nine-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay £600 prosecution costs and £128 victim surcharge.
As stated he is a Pensioner.
We all need to know when to Retire and call it a day.
Unless you have someone very reliable to help care for them.
Failing which, this is the result.