Two businesses, F Drury & Sons Ltd, of Tockenham, Wiltshire and L J Potter Ltd of West Harptree, Somerset together with the director of both companies, Stephen Potter, were found guilty of animal welfare offences at Aldershot Magistrates Court.
On 22nd October 2018, L J Potter Ltd transported a horse from Northern Ireland along with a consignment of other horses to Drury’s abattoir.
The Lorry arrived at the abattoir late at night and as the horses were being unloaded from the lorry, a grey mare was found to be lying on her side and unable to rise.
CCTV footage viewed by the court showed the horse attempting to stand 5 times, but continually falling over until eventually, she managed to stand unable to bear weight on her right forele
The court heard evidence from expert witnesses who viewed the CCTV footage that in their opinion, at that stage, either a vet should have been called to assess the condition of the horse, or it should have been put down.
Instead, the court heard that Stephen Potter, who was not present at the abattoir but was viewing the unloading of the horses, instructed the driver to transport the grey mare on a further journey from the abattoir to his farm in Somerset.
The vehicle departed but soon returned to the abattoir as the horse had somehow managed to stand during the journey.
The horse was unloaded from the vehicle and CCTV footage showed her being unable to walk on her front leg.
Experts giving evidence for the prosecution were clear that the horse was suffering, needed urgent veterinary attention and was not fit to be transported.
The mare was left alone in the lairage at the abattoir overnight until she was noticed by the vet on duty at the abattoir early in the morning.
He took the view that the animal was in a severe condition, breathing rapidly, distressed and therefore needed immediate destruction.
District Judge, Tim Pattinson, said: “Mr Potter ‘had made an error of judgement that had resulted in a horse suffering for several hours which could, and should have been avoided. In this country, we expect high standards of animal welfare
Judge Pattinson also said that Mr Potter had shown an excessively relaxed approach to the problem and had underplayed the pain and suffering of the horse.
The case, brought by Wiltshire Council Trading Standards, resulted in a total penalty of £22,170 divided between the two companies and Stephen Potter and included costs of £10,000 awarded to Wiltshire Council.