Spindles Sentence Response
Buckinghamshire horse dealer James Gray and his family were today sentenced at Bicester Magistrates Court, after being found guilty of charges of animal cruelty on 8th May.
James was given the following sentence:
- A 24 week prison sentence
- A lifetime ban banned from keeping equines
- Ordered to pay £400,000 in costs
His wife Julie and daughters Jodie and Cordelia were given the following sentence:
- A 10 year ban from keeping equines, which they cannot appeal for five years
- 150 hours community service each over 12 months
- Julie Gray has also been ordered to pay £750 in costs, and Cordelia Gray and Jodie Gray £500 each
- An 18 month supervision order
- A 10 year ban from keeping equines, which he cannot appeal for five years
The Horse Trust is currently looking after 11 horses, ponies and donkeys from Spindles Farm at its Home of Rest in Speen, Buckinghamshire.
"This sentence sends a clear message that this wanton disregard for animal welfare will not be tolerated," said Paul Jepson, chief executive of The Horse Trust.
"This is a great result for the RSPCA. By banning James and his family from owning horses, we will be protecting thousands of horses from potential abuse. We are sending out a strong message to people who put profit before animal welfare," said Jepson.
"By giving James Gray a jail sentence we are sending out a powerful message to people who do not look after their animals properly. People are likely to think more carefully about how they treat the animals in their care if they know they are risking a jail sentence," said Jepson.
"We are glad that the RSPCA will be able to recoup some of its costs from the Gray family. They are leading the way in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and deserve recognition for their hard work," said 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.
"We won't be able to recoup the money we have spent from the Gray family, so are dependent on the generosity of the public to help us," said Jepson.
"We have been touched by the generosity of people over recent months, particularly given the credit crunch which has forced everyone has to watch their pennies. We would like to thank everyone who kindly donated to The Horse Trust and would be delighted if they could visit us to see the difference they've made," added Jepson.
The Horse Trust is open from 2 to 4pm every day and visitors can meet the horses, ponies and donkeys from Spindles Farm, as well as the other residents at the sanctuary.
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.
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.
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.
The RSPCA today awarded a commendation to the following members of staff at The Horse Trust for their help in looking after the Spindles Farm horses: Paul Jepson, chief executive and resident veterinary surgeon, Mrs Shirley Abbott, yard manager, Charlotte Pardon, head groom, and Liane Crowther, the welfare and education officer.
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