Redditch woman sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to horse (From Redditch Advertiser)

Redditch woman sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to horse

11:37am Tuesday 10th November 2009

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A WOODROW woman has been sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for two years, for causing unnecessary suffering to a gelding horse which had to be put down.

Jessica Steer, 43, of Newland Close, was also ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and has been given a life ban on the keeping of all animals. Redditch Magistrates Court also requested that all of Ms Steer’s remaining animals be handed over to the RSPCA.

On March 3 this year, the RSPCA removed the gelding, called Big Horse, from a field and he was examined by a vet.

The animal had a bandaged, injured hoof.

When the bandage was removed, the hoof was covered with a foul smelling substance.

The defendant advised that the injury had been caused by the horse standing on a nail. On closer examination, the vet found the horse to be in very poorly bodily condition.

On the advice of the vet, Big Horse was put to sleep to end his suffering.

RSPCA inspector Heather Workman said after the sentencing: “Anyone who has a sick or injured animal must ensure that their pet receives veterinary treatment. This is a legal requirement of pet ownership. It is unacceptable to do nothing and allow your animal to suffer unnecessarily.

“In this case, Big Horse suffered greatly and I am satisfied that the seriousness of this has been reflected in the sentence imposed.”

Ms Steer appeared before Redditch magistrates for sentencing on Wednesday, November 4.

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