JOE MANSELL FROM BLOXWICH SENTENCED FOR HORSE ABUSE AT APPLEBY HORSE FAIR

Joseph Lee Mansell, born on May 29, 2001, and residing at 33 Chestnut Road, Bloxwich, Walsall WS3 1BE, has been found guilty of severe animal welfare violations related to the overworking of a pregnant mare during the renowned Appleby Horse Fair. Mansell, a gypsy and professional tree surgeon by trade, was convicted of two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, leading to a significant legal penalty.

His conviction stems from a distressing incident involving a horse named Classic Lady, a thoroughbred cross, who was discovered collapsed and in a dire state at the annual event held in Appleby, Cumbria, in June 2023. Witnesses reported seeing the mare repeatedly falling and struggling to stand, prompting immediate concern from animal welfare authorities.

Field officers from World Horse Welfare, in collaboration with RSPCA Inspectors and other welfare organizations, responded swiftly to reports of the mare’s condition. The initial distress signals came from witnesses who observed Classic Lady falling multiple times while moving along a road called Battle Barrow, near the River Eden at a location known as The Sands.

Inspector Carl Larsson from the RSPCA recounted the scene: “My colleagues and I were stationed by the River Eden when we received a radio call from Cumbria Police requesting assistance with an overworked horse. Witnesses had seen the mare going up and down a hill non-stop and falling several times.”

Upon arrival, the team found the mare standing but in a visibly exhausted state. She was sweating profusely, unsteady on her legs, and bore fresh wounds from her recent fall. When offered water, she drank eagerly, indicating her dehydration and distress. The veterinary assessment confirmed her critical condition, with two specialist equine vets certifying her as suffering from exhaustion and related injuries.

According to the vets’ report, the mare was extremely weak, lethargic, and ataxic, requiring immediate intravenous fluids and medical intervention to stabilize her. The examination revealed a leg wound caused by harness rubbing, along with injuries sustained during her collapse onto the road. It was also noted that Classic Lady was pregnant at the time of her ordeal, adding to the gravity of Mansell’s neglect.

Following the assessment, Cumbria Police took custody of the mare and transferred her to the care of the RSPCA. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the veterinary team and welfare workers at the World Horse Welfare’s Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool, Classic Lady was given the necessary treatment and care. Her recovery has been promising, and she is now prepared to be rehomed to a loving and responsible owner.

Adam Cummins, the Farm Manager at Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, described her condition upon arrival: “When Lady first came into our care, she was clearly exhausted, lame, and severely underweight. She had horrific rubs and open wounds from her harness, and her nervousness made it difficult for her to trust people initially. However, with proper nutrition, gentle handling, and time, she has regained confidence and is now ready for a new home.”

In terms of legal consequences, Mansell received a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a 12-month community order that includes a rehabilitation activity requirement. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs of £500. Importantly, Mansell faces a ten-year ban on owning or keeping horses or other equines, which can be appealed after five years, with the ban set to expire in July 2034.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and neglect at events like Appleby Horse Fair, where the welfare of horses is sometimes compromised by irresponsible ownership. The authorities’ swift response and the subsequent care of Classic Lady serve as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare laws and responsible ownership.