United Kingdom: Sally Boon, 58, given lifetime animal ban over emaciated horses riddled with lice

UNITED KINGDOM -- A Gwynedd woman has been banned from keeping animals for life after RSPCA officers found her horses to be so underweight and riddled with lice that their bones were showing.

Sally Anne Boon, 58, of Llwyn Hudol, Bangor, pleaded guilty to the offences under the Animal Welfare Act at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court.

As well as being disqualified from keeping any animals for life, she was ordered to pay £500 in costs.

 

Polo, before and after being rescued

The RSPCA was first alerted in April following concerns over the welfare of two bay mares, Lottie and Silkie, and another Cremello mare, named Polo, who were all being kept at Llanfigael near Llanfachraeth on Anglesey.

When the RSPCA inspectors arrived, they found the horses had not been fed properly for a long time and were infested with lice.

The court heard their spines, ribs and pelvic bones were clearly visible and they appeared lethargic and dispirited.

During the hearing in Caernarfon on Wednesday, Boon admitted offences relating to causing unnecessary suffering to three horses and admitted failing to provide them with a nutritionally balanced diet suitable for their needs and addressing their poor physical condition.

 

Silkie, before and after being rescued

Magistrates allowed Booth to keep a parrot and two cats already in her care.

RSPCA inspector Mike Pugh said: “These horses were covered in lice, had no grazing, and were not attended to for weeks. All these factors meant that their body condition deteriorated and they were in a poor state.

“Fortunately, in our care, we were able to give them the care they deserved.

“They have all made a good recovery and they are going to be made available for rehoming in the near future.”

 

 

 

Lottie, before and after being rescued

(Daily Post UK - Sept 11, 2016)