The Horse Trust's Response to Verdict in Gray vs. RSPCA (Spindles Farm Case)
Our Verdict Response
Buckinghamshire horse dealer James Gray and his family were today found guilty of charges of animal cruelty at Bicester Magistrates Court.
"We are delighted with the verdict," said Paul Jepson, chief executive of The Horse Trust. "The verdict paves the way for future cases and will hopefully make people think again before keeping their animals in such conditions."
James and his teenage son Jamie Gray were found guilty of all charges under sections 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act2. His wife Julie and daughters Jodie and Cordelia were found guilty of all charges under section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act2.
Sentencing for the case is expected on 5 June. "We hope the family will be given a lifetime ban from owning horses to prevent this from happening again," said Mr Jepson.
The Horse Trust is currently looking after 11 horses, ponies and donkeys from Spindles Farm at its Home of Rest. "We have spent the last year nurturing these animals back to health at the Home of Rest. Many of the animals have made a spectacular recovery and it has been a joy to watch them bucking and playing in the fields," said Mr Jepson.
The Horse Trust took in two horses, nine ponies and three donkeys from Spindles Farm, after they were rescued by the RSPCA in January 2008. Since then, one of the ponies, Bill, has died. Two of the ponies were transferred to another sanctuary in August 2008.
All the animals taken in from Spindles Farm were underweight and gained an average of 80kg in weight within the first four months.
"All the horses, ponies and donkeys that arrived from Spindles Farm were underweight and some were painfully thin," said Mr Jepson. "One donkey, Gladys, was so weak from starvation that she was unable to stand unaided for the first ten days. Within four months she had gained nearly three-quarters of her original body weight - going from 146 to 251 kilograms."
The animals also had numerous health problems, including Strangles, Salmonella infections, anaemia, parasite infections, impaired liver function, and internal organ damage. Bill's death in January 2009 was caused by a parasite infection, which was so severe that it could not be treated by worming drugs.
The cramped conditions at the farm not only allowed infections to spread, but also made life stressful for the animals, in particular, partially-sighted mare Angel.
"When Angel first arrived she could hardly see anything. She was reluctant to go anywhere and lifted each leg up high when she walked to feel her way," said Jepson. "Being kept in a pen with other animals would have been extremely stressful for her and she wouldn't have been able to compete with the others for food.
She's now much happier - we keep her in the same field with the same companions so she is comfortable with her environment."
The poor physical health of the animals from Spindles Farm was reflected in their behaviour when they arrived at The Horse Trust.
"All the horses were dull and depressed when they arrived - they seemed to have no interest in life and food. Normally when a horse is somewhere new it will have its head up and keenly observing its surroundings. The horses from Spindles Farm simply stood in their stables with their heads down," said Mr Jepson.
The Horse Trust has spent an estimated £150,000 over the last year looking after the horses, ponies and donkeys from Spindles Farm. This includes the cost of food, bedding, veterinary and farrier treatment.
Paul Jepson, chief executive and resident veterinary surgeon of The Horse Trust and Liane Crowther, the welfare and education officer of The Horse Trust were called as witnesses at Gray's trial.
1 James Gray, his wife Julie, daughters Jodie and Cordelia and son Jamie Gray faced 12 charges of cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, for allegedly failing to meet the welfare needs of 132 horses, ponies and donkeys.
2 The Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into effect on 6 April 2007. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 replaced the Protection of Animals Act, first passed in 1911. The Animal Welfare Act introduced a welfare offence for pet animals, making owners responsible for meeting the welfare needs of their animals through providing adequate food and water, veterinary treatment and an appropriate environment to live in. The Act also introduced tougher penalties for neglect and cruelty, and gave enforcers such as the RSPCA more powers to intervene if they suspect a pet is being neglected.
More information: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/act/index.htm
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