The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is very pleased that a High Court judge has today adjourned a request by James Gray to be granted an emergency injunction to force the immediate return of 29 ponies and donkeys to him.
“The case has been referred back to District Judge Sandeep Kainth at Oxford Magistrates Court at a date yet to be confirmed. In the meantime the horses will remain in the care of the various welfare agencies involved, including ourselves and the RSPCA. We are continuing to liaise closely with the RSPCA in support of their efforts to explore all available legal avenues in order to secure the future welfare of the 111 horses, ponies and donkeys.
Monday 7th April 2008
The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is appalled at the implications of the decision made at the plea hearing of John James Gray, and co-defendants, at Oxford Magistrates Court on Friday 4th April.
We are devastated that 29 ponies and donkeys will be returned to James Gray and that the remaining 82 horses taken from Spindles Farm in January this year are to be sold on his behalf at public auction. We will be fully supporting the RSPCA who are pursuing all other legal avenues in order to secure the future welfare of the animals involved.
ILPH Chief Executive Roly Owers comments: “This is the worst possible outcome for the horses and for our staff but is by no means the end of this matter. In addition to the legal efforts to try to reverse last week’s decision by the Courts, Mr James Gray, and co-defendants, will be appearing at Oxford Magistrates Court again on Monday 28th April for another a pre-trial hearing for the criminal case being brought against them by the RSPCA, where a date for a trial will be set.”
