Married pensioners who kept nine ponies in such barbaric conditions that six of them had to be put down, have been banned from keeping animals for life.
It was an excellent result for Paul Ridehalgh of Marsden Rawsthorn, who represented the RSPCA.
RSPCA investigations
Jack and Barbara Carter from Bank Bridge, Tarleton, were subject to an RSPCA investigation in 2020 in respect of four horses but the Carters at that time denied owning any other horses.
Later in 2021 after further enquiries Mr Carter denied there were any equines at his home but consented to a search of the rear of the property.
An inspection found four ponies, all in “unwholly suitable” conditions, with excrement matted into their coats, sore skin and overgrown hooves.
One of the animals was standing on faeces so high its back was breaking through the wooden ceiling of the stable with all of the stables being in a similar state.
Euthanized
A vet was called to the scene and her examination of the ponies resulted in all four ponies at that location having to be euthanized.
Conditions were deemed wholly unsuitable, unsanitary, and dangerous. She described the stables as being a “barbaric environment”. It was thought that the ponies may not have been removed from the stable for months, years or possibly never.
Other ponies found at another location also had to be put to sleep due to their condition.
Sentence
The Carters were given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, banned from keeping animals for life and had to pay costs.
