Severe neglect of horse lands man in jail

AN EXPERIENCED keeper of horses has been jailed after one of his animals was so badly neglected it had to be put down.

David Loughran, 54, was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and banned from keeping animals for 10 years after his two-year-old horse was found in severe pain on Hillmorton Lane in Lilbourne.

The bay mare's left hind leg was found by RSPCA inspectors to be lame, and when a vet examined the horse she kicked out and her hoof flew off.

She had to be put down by the vet such was her suffering.

At court, Loughran, from Goodacre Road in Ullesthorpe, near Lutterworth, pleaded guilty and was jailed for 20 weeks.

Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Pippa Boyd said: "Due to the long term neglect of this horse, which could so easily have been prevented if vet treatment had been sought, the sentencing in this case was appropriate.

"The RSPCA had in the past dealt with Mr Loughran giving advice regarding various horses he owned, and as someone who earns a living working with animals he should have known better and contacted his vet as soon as the horse became unwell.

"It was appalling to witness the horse so frightened, anxious and in severe pain. I would urge any animal owner to learn from this case and at the first signs of illness in your pet ensure they receive veterinary treatment."