Family are banned for life over poor Oliver
Oliver the cob now has a home for life at Redwings after his terrible ordeal
On Tuesday October 28th, a family were handed suspended jail sentences and banned from keeping animals for life after being found guilty of neglecting Oliver and his friend George.
Skewbald cob Oliver was removed from Canwell Gate Farm by the RSPCA in January 2008 due to his poor condition. He was taken to the Redwings Oxhill Rescue Centre in Warwickshire and on veterinary examination he was found to be underweight, suffering from louse infestation and a respiratory disease.
Oliver when he was rescued (RSPCA photo)
Oliver's friend George was also found to be underweight with sunken eyes, protruding bones and also suffering from lice infestation. The vet estimated that both horses had suffered for several months.
Elizabeth Wain and her mother Sandra from Canwell pleaded guilty to six charges each under the Animal Welfare Act of neglect of their horses Oliver and George. John Wain also pleaded guilty to three charges of neglect.
In passing sentence, magistrates said the offences were so serious that only custodial sentences were suitable.
Elizabeth and Sandra Wain were given 12-week custodial sentences, suspended for two years, a community service order with 100 hours unpaid work, ordered to pay £500 costs each and banned from keeping any animal for life.
John Wain was sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for two years, a community service order with 60 hours unpaid work, to pay costs of £500 and banned from keeping any animal for life.
Speaking after sentence, RSPCA chief inspector Tim Scott said: “I am very pleased that the magistrates took such a serious view of what was an extremely serious neglect case. These two horses had suffered for months where their basic meets had not been met. They were fed inadequately and did not receive veterinary attention for their illnesses. Every pet owner has a legal responsibility to properly care for their animal and if they fail to do so they face prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act.”
“Sadly there was no happy outcome for George although Oliver has made a fantastic recovery at a Redwings Rescue Centre” said chief inspector Scott.
Oliver as he looks now, living at our Oxhill Rescue Centre!
Equine Centre Manager at Redwings Rescue Centre in Warwickshire, Helen Glen said: “It was extremely upsetting to see 15-year-old Oliver when he came to us so underweight and lacklustre. He had a severe lung infection, was lethargic, quiet and miserable.
"After months of treatment for his breathing problems, which included the use of an equine inhaler, and lots of loving care he is now a changed horse. Oliver is full of life, very cheeky and always likes to know what is going on!"
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