Couple banned from keeping horses after catalogue of abuse is revealed

Sep 4 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

AN ORMSKIRK couple have been given a 10-year ban on keeping horses after a shocking catalogue of cruelty.

Steven and Carol Jennings, of Sutch Lane, Ormskirk, were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two horses in their care.

It followed a visit to their premises by an RSPCA inspector and a field officer for the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

They discovered an emaciated 21-year-old chestnut thoroughbred gelding called Dusty, and Amber, a very thin 16- year-old thoroughbred cross mare. Both were living in poor conditions.

The horses were examined on site by a veterinary surgeon and were later seized and taken to an ILPH farm for further treatment. The Jennings appear- ed before Ormskirk magistrates court yeste- day. As well as the 10-year ban on keeping horses, they were each ordered to pay a £250 contribution towards costs and a Deprivation Order was imposed on both horses.

In addition, Steven Jennings was ordered to carry out 80 hours’ community service to be completed within 12 months. His wife was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

ILPH field officer Chris Williams said: “I am delighted the Jennings have been found guilty and been banned from keeping horses for 10 years. Both horses are now safe and no longer in the hands of the Jennings, so will not suffer any more.”