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.