JORDAN BOOTH OF STOKE-ON-TRENT CONVICTED OVER HORSE NEARLY DUE TO STARVATION

Jordan Booth, born around 1991 and residing at Pemberton Drive, Meir Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7JU, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting his horse, which had become severely underweight to the point that it had to be euthanized. An RSPCA inspector described Booth’s gelding, Quahadi, as the thinnest horse she had ever seen.

Inspector Charlotte Melvin highlighted the severe condition of Quahadi, a bay thoroughbred-type horse, who was found emaciated and suffering with an untreated skin condition on his legs. Despite veterinary efforts, the horse was put down to prevent further suffering.

Booth pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. These were: failing to investigate the horse’s weight issues between October and November 2018, neglecting hoof care between July and November 2018, and failing to provide proper veterinary treatment for a skin problem between 13 and 18 November 2018.

In November 2018, RSPCA Inspector Melvin visited a field on Coplow Avenue, Tean, after receiving a call from a concerned member of the public. She immediately called a veterinarian to assess Quahadi’s condition. The vet confirmed the horse was severely underfed and had an untreated skin issue. The inspector took possession of Quahadi, who was then cared for by the RSPCA.

Despite their "great efforts" to save him, Quahadi collapsed the following day. Veterinarians decided to euthanize the horse to end his suffering. Inspector Melvin expressed her sadness, saying, “I was so sad that Quahadi didn’t pull through, he was a very affectionate and sweet horse. The only consolation is that he was warm and comfortable in a stable, receiving plenty of care during his last night, so at least I know he received some love and TLC before he sadly died.”

During sentencing, the court noted that Booth had struggled to maintain the horse’s weight. A second pony owned by Booth was also removed from the field by police and was signed into charity care.

Booth received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for two years, along with 240 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation. He was ordered to pay £515 in costs and charges and was banned from keeping horses for five years, until April 2024.