CHARLES SMITH OF RUNCORN REVEALED AS HORSE NEGLECTER IN WARRINGTON AREA

Charles Smith, a resident of Runcorn, has been found guilty of neglecting multiple horses on his property, leading to the tragic death of two of the animals. Smith, born in November 1972, resides at Bigfield Lodge travellers site on Warrington Road in Runcorn, with the postcode WA7 1RD. His failure to care for the horses, which were kept at Ponderosa Stables on Chester Road in Daresbury, Warrington, resulted in serious animal welfare violations that drew the attention of local authorities and animal welfare inspectors.

Over a period spanning from July to October 2015, RSPCA inspectors conducted a total of 14 visits to the stables, driven by concerns over the health and safety of the horses. During these inspections, they discovered a disturbing pattern of neglect. The horses, numbering as many as eight at times, included a heavily pregnant mare, and were found living in conditions that were far from suitable for their well-being. On multiple occasions, the inspectors observed that the animals had been left without access to adequate food and water, a neglect that could have severe consequences for their health.

The condition of the horses was described as poor, with many appearing underweight and lethargic, signs indicative of malnutrition and dehydration. In one notable incident, a concerned member of the public took the initiative to place hay on Smith’s land to help the suffering animals. The horses were also seen consuming ragwort, a toxic plant that can cause chronic liver damage, which further underscored the neglectful environment they were subjected to.

The environment within the paddock was also deemed hazardous. The field contained broken wood and barbed wire, posing physical dangers to the animals. Authorities expressed particular concern over a hole in a hedge that could have allowed the horses to escape onto nearby roads, creating a significant safety risk for both the animals and motorists.

When confronted by the inspectors, Smith, owner of Runcorn Recycling Scrap Metal Limited, responded aggressively, shouting at the officers and denying any wrongdoing. Despite his protests, the evidence collected during the inspections painted a grim picture of animal neglect.

Tragically, two of the emaciated mares were found to have suffered unnecessarily due to inadequate nutrition. One of these horses exhibited behavioral issues, while the other was suffering from persistent swelling in its legs. Both animals were subsequently euthanized to end their suffering, a decision that underscored the severity of the neglect.

Charles Smith faced charges for causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and for failing in his duties to ensure their welfare. He pleaded guilty to these charges, which resulted in a sentence of 300 hours of unpaid work and fines totaling £1,240.80. Additionally, he was banned from keeping animals for a period of five years, a ban that expired in 2021.

The case was reported by the Runcorn and Widnes World and the Warrington Guardian, highlighting the importance of animal welfare enforcement in the region.