Champion breeder gets suspended sentence

A show judge and pony breeder has been given a suspended prison sentence after breaching a previous equine ban and causing ‘unnecessary suffering’ to a pony and 52 pedigree cats.

Suffering

David Hinde (50), from Aberford in West Yorkshire, failed to provide veterinary treatment to Fred, who was found “collapsed, and emaciated” in a field in Preston. Fred was put to sleep on veterinary advice and four other ponies were seized.

“The suffering endured by Fred, who was so thin that he had collapsed and was unable to stand, is inexcusable in any arena, but is aggravated by the previous convictions of this defendant,” said RSPCAinspector Nick Welch, who attended the scene.

“Sadly Fred did not respond to veterinary intervention and had to be put to sleep to end his suffering.”

Sorry state

While on the site concerns were raised about 52 British Shorthaired pedigree cats on the premises. They were all found to have an infestation of ear mites, while two of the cats had “extensive and untreated” gingivitis and inflammation of the gums.

The Hinde family refused to sign over any of the cats to theRSPCAuntil the verdicts were announced on 13 February. The charity now hopes to rehome them.

“The cats were in a sorry state, the contrast between how they were then and how they are now is unbelievable,” said Nick.

Long investigation

Following a six-day trial, David Hinde was sentenced yesterday (18 March) to 20 weeks custody, suspended for 12 months. He was banned from keeping any animals for 12 years.

His mother and father (Cynthia and Raymond Hinde)were also sentenced after being convicted of six allegations, relating to the pedigree cats, which were bred and sold for commercial gain.

They were both banned from keeping all animals, except dogs, for five years, and fined £500 each payable at £10 each per month.

“Today’s sentencing concludes a long and complex investigation relating to the three defendants,” said Nick. “TheRSPCAwelcomes the verdicts of the court and hopes the sentences passed today send out a clear message that keeping animals is a privilege and one which should always hold the welfare of the animal with the utmost priority, whether they be kept as pets or for profit.”

Championship winner

Prior to his previous ban, Hinde bred Dartmoor ponies at Pumphill Stud. He was banned from owning equines for three years in September 2012, after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a Dartmoor colt, who was “literally at death’s door”. He also pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of 13 ponies.

Thirty one ponies were seized by police on veterinary advice and placed in the RSPCA’s care and Hinde and his motherwere ordered to pay £184,667.66 in RSPCA costs.

Petition

Despite the ban, according to the RSPCA, theHinde family are still in possession of a large number of equines, including Dartmoors. They have been given have 21 days to rehome them as result of yesterday’s sentencing.

Hinde has said on his Facebook page he will start a petition to prevent the RSPCA from “removing the Pumphill Herd”.