Married couple banned from keeping horses

A married couple have been banned from owning equines for life after failing to treat their horses’ laminitis.

Animal cruelty

Edwin (64) and Sylvia Pope (63) of Wistanswick, Shropshire both pleaded guilty to five counts of cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act.

All offences took place between February and May this year and involved four Shetlands and a cob mare. Four out of these fives horses were suffering with laminitis, which went untreated.

The couple admitted to failing to restrict the horses’ food, failing to provide routine farriery attention and failing to inspect them on a daily basis.

‘Upsetting case’

“This was a very upsetting case,” said RSPCA inspector Nayman Dunderdale. “One of the horses simply couldn’t move and had to be carried from the field by five people.

“Unfortunately the horses hadn’t been checked every day. They had been left to grow overweight and were suffering with laminitis.”

The Popes were disqualified from owning horses for life after they appeared at Shrewsbury magistrates court (13 November). In addition, Mr Pope was given a community order of 60 hours unpaid work and Mrs Pope was given a curfew order from 7pm to 7am. Both were ordered to pay £500 each plus a £60 victim surcharge.

They still have other horses in their care which must be rehomed within 28 days.

Seek help

“We would advise people to check their horses regularly, at least once a day,” added Nayman. “If you are struggling then seek help.”