Woman Convicted Of Horse Cruelty Breaches Ban

A woman has admitted breaching a court order banning her from having anything to do with horses for five years.

Kelly Hoyle was given the ban and handed a suspended prison sentence for animal cruelty offences last November, after two of her horses were found in an emaciated condition in fields in Naseby and had to be put down.

In February this year the RSPCA received a report that she had been seen riding a horse in Desborough.

The report was passed to Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team, which discovered she had also sold two horses in January, again breaking the terms of her ban.

Hoyle, 43, of Glendon Road, Rothwell, was arrested and went on to be charged with  breaching a disqualification imposed after conviction under the Animal Welfare Act.

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

She admitted the offence at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, where a further six months was added to the end of her 23-week suspended prison sentence, extending it to 18 months.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer PC Chloe Gillies, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Kelly Hoyle’s previous failures meant she had forfeited the right to spend time with horses, but she still somehow felt it was OK to go out riding and be involved in selling them.

“There are consequences for failing to meet the needs of an animal and causing it to suffer, and I hope this time Hoyle recognises the seriousness of her situation and abides by the terms of her ban otherwise, as the judge warned her, she risks ending up in prison.

“Our team works hard to protect animals and we will always take action where we suspect someone is failing to look after them properly.

“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.”

Hoyle was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and £48 victim surcharge.