Warrant issued for arrest of Surrey woman with history of horse cruelty
| Warrant issued for arrest of Surrey woman with history of horse cruelty A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 36 year old woman from Camberley, Surrey after she failed to show at Guildford Magistrates Court on Monday 26th November, to be sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to three ponies, now in the care of the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH). Mrs Michele Alcroft of 37 Hamesmoor Road, Mytchett, had pleaded guilty on 5th November to five charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the three ponies, but twice failed to show for sentencing. Alcroft was told to attend Guildford Magistrates Court on Monday 26th November to be sentenced but again failed to show. |  |
 | In her absence she was banned from keeping equines for 10 years and the ILPH was awarded custody of the three ponies named Bobby, Milo and Cally. Mrs Alcroft had previously received an adult caution last year for neglecting two ponies so badly they had to be put down. The ILPH attended Mrs Alcroft's rented premises at Strawberry Farm, Glaziers Lane in Guildford on 16th March 2007 following a call to the ILPH Welfare Hotline from a concerned member of the public. ILPH Field Officer Ted Barnes and RSPCA Inspector Rob Jackson found a number of ponies living in unsuitable conditions, three of which gave particular cause for concern; Bobby a dun gelding, Milo a bay gelding and an aged bay mare called Cally. |
All three were seized and taken to ILPH Hall Farm in Norfolk.
ILPH Field Officer Ted Barnes said: "All three ponies were underweight and suffering from severe louse infestations. When I removed the two rugs that Mrs Alcroft had fitted to Milo, he immediately swung round and tried to bite his back and sides. His body was covered in large areas of severe hair loss and raw skin as a result of self mutilation. He was obviously in a great deal of discomfort.
"I am delighted that the court has imposed a ban on Mrs Alcroft from keeping equines for 10 years. I wouldn't want any further horses to have to suffer in the same way."
Bobby, Milo and Cally have thrived at ILPH Hall Farm and their future is thankfully now secure. Once fully recovered they will be rehomed via the ILPH Loan Scheme. If you are concerned about the welfare of a horse or pony, please call the ILPH Welfare Hotline on free phone number 08000 480180.
The photos are of Milo before and after.
Added on: 03/12/07.
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