CAROL SUMMERS OF CASTLEFORD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO FOAL CRICKET

In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates, Carol Summers, a resident of Foss Walk, Castleford WF10 3DJ, was found guilty in 2023 of neglecting a young foal named Cricket, leading to his suffering and eventual euthanasia. The incident highlights serious concerns about animal cruelty and the responsibilities of horse owners.

On January 13, 2023, RSPCA inspector Kris Walker visited a field in Castleford where multiple horses were tethered. Among them was Cricket, a foal estimated to be no older than eight to ten months. The inspector observed the young horse in a dire state: he was lethargic, unsteady on his feet, and painfully thin, with prominent hips and spine indicating severe malnutrition. The blanket he wore was ill-fitting and improperly secured, and he was suffering from scouring, a symptom of diarrhea. Most alarmingly, there was no accessible food, water, or shelter for Cricket, and he was tethered in a manner deemed inappropriate for his age.

Veterinary assessment revealed Cricket’s body condition score was a mere one out of nine, signifying extreme emaciation. The vets diagnosed dehydration, hypothermia, and diarrhea, all requiring urgent medical intervention. An RSPCA spokesperson noted that Cricket was so dehydrated that he drank from a puddle nearby after being taken to the vet clinic.

Summers arrived at the scene shortly after the seizure. She was informed that police had removed Cricket due to his suffering and that an investigation was underway. During the proceedings, Summers agreed to transfer ownership of Cricket to the RSPCA, claiming she had owned him for six weeks and that a vet had prescribed steroids for his treatment. However, no records of such medication were found. She also stated she had been given the foal by someone else, but her ownership was confirmed.

Following the seizure, Cricket was transported to a local veterinary clinic and later transferred to an equine hospital for specialized care. Despite intensive treatment, his condition failed to improve over subsequent weeks. A veterinarian testified that Cricket was severely underweight, estimated at only 85 kilograms (187 pounds), which is far below the expected weight for a foal of his age and size. The vet explained that a six to eight-month-old cob foal of 13 to 14 hands should weigh approximately 150 kilograms, indicating Cricket was suffering from severe malnutrition.

Additional evidence presented in court highlighted the lack of basic necessities for Cricket. There was no shelter available, and he was tethered with a fabric headcollar, which posed a risk of injury. The vet emphasized that young horses under two years old should not be tethered, as per the Defra code of practice, and that ad-libitum water should have been provided, especially given his diarrhea and dehydration.

Despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, Cricket’s health continued to decline. Ultimately, a decision was made to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering. The RSPCA confirmed that Summers had initially claimed to have owned Cricket for six weeks but later contradicted herself, stating she had only owned him for three weeks. She admitted to owning the foal and acknowledged her failure to provide proper care, which resulted in unnecessary suffering.

The court found that Summers had neglected Cricket’s basic needs and failed in her responsibilities as a horse owner. Magistrates condemned her actions, emphasizing the neglect and suffering inflicted upon the young animal. In mitigation, Summers explained she had various caring responsibilities and admitted she was unfit to care for the foal.

Sentencing included a 16-week suspended prison term, a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, costs of £400, and a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, Summers received a ten-year ban on keeping all animals, a restriction that can be appealed after five years. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the legal consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals in the Castleford area.