CLAIRE MASON FROM DRAKES BROUGHTON BANNED FOR 20 YEARS AFTER HORSES SUFFER AND ARE EUTHANIZED

In a case that has shocked the local community of Drakes Broughton, Worcester, Claire Mason, born around 1972 and residing on Magnolia Close, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting her horses, leading to the tragic euthanasia of three animals. Mason was handed a severe sentence after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to her horses by neglecting their medical needs and failing to provide appropriate veterinary care.

These horses, three part-bred Arab mares named Rosie, Enrica, and Fern, were kept on a livery yard in the village of Norton, Worcestershire. The distressing situation came to light when an RSPCA inspector responded to concerns raised about their wellbeing in May 2018. Upon inspection, the inspector found all three mares to be severely lame, suffering from laminitis, a painful hoof condition that can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Inspector Suzi Smith described the scene, stating, “The horses were suffering from laminitis brought about by failing to treat underlying pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, also known as Cushing’s disease. This condition can be managed successfully with medication and a carefully controlled diet. Unfortunately, Mason failed to follow through with these treatments despite being made aware of the diagnosis and being advised on the necessary care.”

Ms. Smith emphasized that Mason was an experienced horse owner who should have known how to care for her animals, which made her neglect even more unacceptable. She added, “The treatment plans and advice she’d been given were simply ignored. The court’s decision to ban her from keeping horses underscores the importance of preventing such suffering in the future.”

Following veterinary consultation, all three mares were euthanized with Mason’s consent due to the severity of their condition. The court heard that Mason had mental health issues, which were considered as mitigating factors during sentencing. It was also noted that Mason had owned horses for many years without prior issues and had even achieved recognition by winning prizes at shows.

In sentencing, Mason received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with 100 hours of unpaid community service. She was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £115 victim surcharge. Most notably, the court imposed a ban preventing her from owning or keeping any equines for the next 20 years, a measure aimed at safeguarding future animals from similar neglect.