JACKIE BROWN FROM STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO LAME HORSE ROSIE

In a distressing case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities, Jackie Brown, a resident of Quarnford in the Staffordshire Moorlands, was found guilty of neglecting a severely suffering horse named Rosie. The incident came to light when RSPCA inspectors, accompanied by local police, discovered the Highland mare in a field within the Staffordshire Moorlands area, showing clear signs of severe neglect and physical deterioration.

Rosie, a horse suffering from multiple health issues, was found to have severely overgrown and misshapen hooves, which had not been attended to for an extended period. The condition of her hooves was so dire that it contributed to her inability to walk properly. Veterinary examinations revealed that Rosie was suffering from painful conditions, including laminitis, a serious and excruciating inflammation of the hoof tissue. The vet described her as being in a state of extreme pain, with her weight exacerbating her condition, causing a bone to protrude from her hoof—a clear sign of advanced neglect.

The inspection also uncovered that Rosie was riddled with internal parasites, including killer tape worms and strongyle worms, which had infested her intestines. Her dental health was also compromised, further indicating a lack of proper care and regular veterinary attention. The overall condition of the horse was so dire that she was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.

Jackie Brown, who is also known for breeding and showing Ibizan hound dogs and works as an NHS employee, was the owner of Rosie. She was charged with animal cruelty and subsequently pleaded guilty in court. As a result of her conviction, she has been prohibited from owning or keeping horses for a period of five years, a ban that will last until October 2024.

During the court proceedings at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, prosecutor Roger Price described the severity of Rosie’s condition. He stated, “The horse was obese, struggling to walk. The hooves were extremely long, misshapen, and overgrown.” He explained that laminitis, which causes intense pain, was evident in Rosie, with the weight pressing down into her hooves and pushing a bone out, a condition described by the veterinarian as extremely painful. The court was told that Rosie had not been seen by a farrier for at least nine months, indicating a prolonged period of neglect.

Brown declined to be interviewed but submitted two written statements. In her statements, she claimed to be distraught over the situation, recounting an incident where she crashed her vehicle en route to the scene and had to wait for her husband to pick her up. She insisted that Rosie had not been lame for a long time, citing her neighbors’ accounts, and claimed she was unaware of her horse’s dental or weight issues. Brown also admitted to failing to implement a worm control program and neglecting to repair a collapsed wall that could have allowed Rosie to escape onto the busy A53 Buxton Road.

Magistrate Sue Spooner acknowledged Brown’s distress but emphasized that she had ample opportunity to address the issues. She stated, “We accept you feel great anguish over this matter. But we also feel that you had time to rectify the matter.”

As part of her sentencing, Jackie Brown was ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £5,361. The court also imposed a five-year ban on her from keeping horses, a restriction that will expire in October 2024. This case highlights the importance of responsible animal ownership and the consequences of neglecting the welfare of vulnerable animals in the Staffordshire Moorlands area.