A man has been banned from keeping animals for five years after he left two underweight cobs in a field in Erith, one of which suffered a severe eye infection that resulted in its eye being removed.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Alfie Doyle, of Hampstead Lane, Nettlestead, near Maidstone, was prosecuted by the RSPCA and pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
At Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on February 17, he was sentenced to:
- A five-year ban on keeping animals
- A 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months
- 200 hours of unpaid work
- 10 rehabilitation activity days
- £400 court costs and a £154 victim surcharge
Disturbing Discovery
The case began on March 1 last year when the body of a piebald foal in very poor condition was discovered in the field.
Eleven days later, RSPCA Inspector Harriet Daliday visited the site after receiving an alert from World Horse Welfare (WHW).
A piebald cob mare with a serious eye infection was seen grazing in the same field.
Police, a veterinarian, and a WHW field officer attended the scene, removing:
- A three-year-old cob with a severe eye infection and rain scald
- A seven-year-old piebald mare, also underweight
Neither of the horses were microchipped, and the field was occupied by multiple horses owned by different people.
Veterinary Findings
A vet assessment revealed:
- The three-year-old cob was emaciated, scoring 0.5 on a body condition scale
- The seven-year-old mare had a score of 1.5, also considered dangerously underweight
- Both animals were suffering from parasitic infections and heavy lice infestations
The younger cob’s infected eye had to be surgically removed, and both horses underwent deworming treatment.
Rehabilitation & RSPCA Response
Following their rescue, both horses were rehabilitated at World Horse Welfare, gaining weight and returning to good health. One of the equines has since been rehomed.
Inspector Harriet Daliday of the RSPCA said:
“Both these cobs suffered terribly left in this field without care and attention. Owning an animal is a privilege, and ensuring appropriate veterinary care when they need it is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”
The court was told that Doyle had taken the horses from a friend and admitted he failed to properly care for them.
This case serves as a warning to those who neglect animals, as authorities continue to take action against animal cruelty and mistreatment.
