Woman Banned From Keeping Horses

A woman from Rothwell has been sentenced for animal cruelty after horses had to be put down when they were found starving and with serious health conditions.

Kelly Hoyle has been banned from owning, keeping or caring for equines for five years and handed a suspended prison sentence after the stallion and mare were found in an emaciated condition in Naseby.

Police and the RSPCA discovered the horses, called Rueben and Tia, when they visited a field in February.

A vet was called out to assess their condition and Reuben was put to sleep on-site due to the extent of his suffering.

Tia, who was underweight had melanoma growths around her anus, was removed and given round-the-clock vet care, but sadly also later had to be put down.

Neglected horse Reuben had to be put to sleep as a result of his poor condition and an untreated infection. Photo: RSPCA

Hoyle, 42, of Glendon Road, was prosecuted by the RSPCA for causing unnecessary suffering to Reuben by failing to get him treatment when his penis became infected, and failing to meet the welfare needs of  Tia.

She pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates’ Court and was given a 23-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, with a rehabilitation activity requirement of 25 days.

Hoyle was also ordered to pay £500 costs and £154 victim surcharge, and was banned from owning, keeping, helping to care for, dealing or transporting any equines for five years.

RSPCA Inspector Sue Haywood investigated and told HFM it was one of the worst cases of cruelty she had ever seen:

PC Chloe Gillies from Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team said: “I would like to thank my RSPCA and veterinary colleagues; this was a team effort, though sadly neither horse could be saved because of how much Hoyle had allowed them to suffer. By bringing her to justice I really hope that no other animal has to suffer at her hands.

“Under the terms of her banning order she essentially cannot have any contact with equines for five years, and rightly so.

“If you know of anyone that is letting animals suffer or is breaching a ban regarding their ownership or care, please contact the police or RSPCA so this can be investigated. If you are an owner struggling to care for your animals – please ask for timely support, there are charities that can help you.

“The police and RSPCA do not just take people’s animals away from them for no good reason.

“Independent vets are involved to assess the animal and determine if it is suffering. Based on their professional opinion, if necessary, police will then seize them and hand them over to the RSPCA which will care for them and continue with the investigation.”