RSPCA inspectors were told a horse “in need of specialist care” was being treated for “a snuffly nose”, a court heard today.
The animal was one of several that were ordered to be removed from Spindles Farm in Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, following an inspection in January this year.
But the farm’s owner, 45-year-old James Gray, told vet Bob Baskerville there was no need for it to be taken into care.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Skinner told Bicester Magistrates’ Court Mr Baskerville said one of the equines “would die if it was left” at the farm.
Mr Baskerville also recommended a number of animals be removed from the farm following examinations – three of which were “in need of specialist care”.
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A court has been shown images of horses allegedly left to starve on a family run farm in Buckinghamshire.
The photographs and video footage were taken by RSPCA inspectors when they were called to Spindle Farm, Amersham.
One photograph shown to Bicester Magistrates’ Court showed a pile of skulls and bones. James Gray, 45, Julie Gray, 41, Jodie Gray, 26, Cordelia Gray, 20, and another person who cannot be named deny charges under the Animal Welfare Act.
They face a total of 12 charges which relate to causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the welfare needs of horses, ponies and donkeys.
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A jury has seen pictures and video footage of horses allegedly left to starve on a family-run farm.
The images, taken by RSPCA inspectors when they were called to Spindle Farm in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, show an emaciated horse, another animal just before it was put to sleep and one that had collapsed. Another picture shows a pile of skulls and bones.
Bicester Magistrates’ Court was also shown video footage of collapsed and dead animals in various locations on the property.
The court heard that inspectors discovered the animals living on the farm run by 45-year-old horse trader James Gray.
He is on trial alongside his wife, Julie Gray, 41, his daughters, Jodie Gray, 26, and Cordelia Gray, 20, and another person who cannot be named.
They deny 12 charges under the Animal Welfare Act which relate to causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the welfare needs of horses, ponies and donkeys.
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An RSPCA inspector told a court today that she discovered the bodies of 20 animals left rotting among more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys allegedly left to starve at a family-run farm.
Kirsty Hampton said some carcasses were left in pens with live horses, others were burnt and dumped next to a bonfire while some were simply left lying on the ground covered in rubbish.
One dead horse was found on the back of a trailer with ropes around his tail and neck, she said. A court heard she discovered the “horror scene” after being called to Spindle Farm at Hyde Heath in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, run by 45-year-old horse trader James Gray.
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THE first RSPCA official to arrive at the farm at the centre of animal cruelty allegations today told a court of her experience.
Kirsty Hampton told Bicester Magistrates Court how she uncovered more than 20 equine carcasses and others with incurable infections at Spindles Farm in Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, in January.
She spoke of the “despicable state” of some of the dead horses found in pens filled with faeces.
Miss Hampton told the court of one of the pens: “There was wet faeces in the whole pen and no food or hay.
“There was a water trough in the corner, with faeces in it.”
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