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Norfolk horse owner prosecuted for neglect
A Norfolk horse owner has been given a ten-year ban on keeping all equines after his pony was found suffering with severe laminitis. Michael Balls from Horning was this week sentenced to 100 hours of community service, £500 costs, a 12-month supervision order and a ban for ten years at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court.
The pony, now named Jack by Redwings staff, a 13-year-old black Shetland, was reported to the Redwings Welfare team by a member of the public in May 2011. Redwings Field Officer Julie Harding attended the site in Happisburgh, Norfolk, and was so concerned that she immediately called for veterinary support. Redwings Vet and Head of Welfare Nicolas de Brauwere attended along with Inspector Ben Kirby from the RSPCA.
They found Jack to be lying down and in severe pain whenever he tried to stand up. He had very badly overgrown feet and was suffering from a severe attack of laminitis, an inflammation of the sensitive laminae in the feet that can be fatal if left untreated. He also had sweet itch, a reaction to insect bites which causes intense itching.
Poor Jack's feet were terribly overgrown when he was found
The pony was removed from the site immediately on welfare grounds while the owner was given an improvement notice regarding another horse on the site. Jack was taken to Redwings Reception Centre in Norfolk for emergency vet and farrier treatment. He was given pain relief and X-rays were taken to enable the farriers to create specialist shoes to help support his feet. His care is ongoing but staff are confident for his future and he has been offered a permanent home at Redwings where he can receive all the treatment he needs.
Redwings vet Nic de Brauwere said: “We are very pleased with the result from the court today. This was a very severe case of laminitis which had clearly been left untreated by the owner, and which was causing Jack intense pain. Although he has some ongoing issues with lameness as a result of the laminitis he is making good progress and we are confident he will make a full recovery.”
RSPCA Inspector Ben Kirby said: “This was a substantial disqualification and we are satisfied with the result.”
Redwings have now also offered a home to the other pony at the site.
