Former Race Horse Trainer Banned From Keeping Equines
| Former Race Horse Trainer Banned From Keeping Equines A former race horse trainer from County Durham has been banned from keeping equines for five years after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to a bay thoroughbred stallion called Hans Christian. Paul Johnson of Low Wyndways Farm, White Le-Head, Tantobie appeared at Peterlee Magistrates Court earlier today (Friday 13 November 2009) where he pleaded guilty to failing to seek veterinary treatment for the horses injured foot, an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. | |
When the RSPCA attended Mr Johnsons farm on Monday 11 June 2007, Hans Christian was found to be suffering from an injury on his left fore leg which had developed a chronic infection and had become maggot-infested. The animal had to be put to sleep two days later on veterinary advice.
RSPCA inspector Tony Jackman said: This horse was in a terrible state when he came to our attention. He was suffering terribly. He couldnt carry weight on the injured leg and had been that way for a number of weeks. Mr Johnsons failure to seek veterinary attention was inexcusable.
 | The case against Mr Johnson was thrown out by Consett Magistrates Court in October 2008 after a judge ruled the RSPCA had taken too long to bring it but the charity challenged the decision at the High Court in London on Friday 16 October 2009. Lord Justice Pill, sitting with Mrs Justice Rafferty, decided that delays in the case were not an "abuse of process" but that much of it was caused by Mr Johnson himself who had made "concerted efforts" to "avoid and hide from" an RSPCA inspector. Allowing the RSPCA's appeal, Lord Justice Pill ordered that the case return to the Magistrates Court for a hearing of the prosecution. Today, Mr Johnson was also sentenced to a six-month community order including 60 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £4,650 costs. |
In mitigation, the court heard that he had been treating the wound himself before going on holiday and thought it was improving.
RSPCA inspector Jackman said: You cant cut corners when it comes to the welfare of the animals in your care. Mr Johnsons lack of action caused this horse a great deal of suffering, unnecessarily.
I hope the sentence passed today will ensure this doesnt ever happen again.
Added on: 13/11/09.
Email this article to a friend or shareVoices for Horses offers news, articles and videos from third party providers unless otherwise stated. We do not endorse the views expressed or content and make it available to you only as a service. All news items, articles and videos are copyright of the authors, film makers and original publications.
