17 March, 2008
The RSPCA has today served summons on solicitors acting for James Gray and his family for the unnecessary suffering caused to 125 horses, ponies and donkeys at Spindles Farm in Amersham
The RSPCA has launched a prosecution against Jamie Gray and three other members of his family for the suffering caused to 125 horses removed from his farm in January.
A total of 12 charges are being brought against James John Gray (44), Julie Gray (40) and Jodie (25) and Cordelia Gray (20), all of Spindles Farm, Hyde Heath, Amersham in Buckinghamshire.
Another 15-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will also be facing charges in connection with this case.
They will appear in Oxford Magistrates Court on Thursday 27 March.
The 12 charges related to section 4 and section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and cover causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the welfare needs of a total of 125 horses, ponies and donkeys.
On 4 January this year, 31 equines were found dead at Spindle Farm in Amersham. Some 111 other horses, ponies and donkeys were rescued in one of the biggest horse welfare cases on record in the UK.
The massive rescue was co-ordinated by Thames Valley Police, Trading Standards and the RSPCA with help from the Horse Trust, the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), Redwings and the Blue Cross.