A HORSE trader accused of animal cruelty told a court today none of the animals found dead at his farm had shown signs of being “depressed or ill” before their deaths.
James Gray, the owner of Spindles Farm in Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, said he had never experienced a loss of animals like the one he had before an RSPCA inspection of the farm in January last year.
The 44-year-old said he had sole responsibility for the welfare of the horses, donkeys and ponies – and told Bicester Magistrates’ Court two of his co-accused are “frightened” of the animals.
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COURT was today told hundreds of horses had to be removed from a farm after “overwhelming evidence of unreasonable suffering” was discovered there.
An expert witness in the trial of five people accused of mistreating horses at Spindles Farm, Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, was grilled for a second day by defence counsel.
All five defendants were at Bicester Magistrates Court today to hear Veterinary expert Peter Green dismiss claims more than 100 horses could have been treated on the farm on the weekend of January 4 and 5 last year.
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A MAN accused of cruelty to horses has been told he has to turn up earlier for court every day, after failing to attend at all yesterday.
Yesterday the trial of five people accused of cruel treatment of horses on Spindles Farm in Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, was held up after none of the defendants showed up.
James Gray, who is accused of 12 offences under the Animal Cruelty Act, told Bicester Magistrates Court was being examined by a doctor for depression.
The 46-year-old today had a condition put on his bail meaning he has to arrive at court or make contact with an official by 9.30am.
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A MAN accused of causing unnecessary suffering to horses was warned he faces being put on remand if he turns up late to court again without prior warning.
James Gray was told by Judge Andrew Vickers he will be held on breach of bail, after turning up late for court at Bicester today claiming he had suffered a puncture.
Judge Vickers warned the owner of Spindles Farm, Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath: “It is reasonable to expect you to start your journey here in the morning in good time, and to have your mobile fully charged.
“If you are late for court again without letting us know you run the risk of being held in breach of your bail.”
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ANIMALS examined at a south Bucks farm suffered a “heavy lice infestation” and were unable to walk properly because of overgrown hooves, a court heard today.
Over a hundred horses, donkeys and ponies were seized from Spindles Farm in Chalk Lane, Hyde Heath, on January 9 last year following advice from vets.
They said there were problems with either their environment, diet, behaviour, need to be kept apart from or with other animals, or being free from injury and disease.
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