KEIRON HODGES AND HARON COOPER CRUSH HORSE IN CREWKERNE HORROR

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Crewkerne, two men, Keiron Ashley Hodges and Haron Reggie Cooper, were found guilty of inflicting unnecessary suffering on a vulnerable horse. The incident came to light following an investigation by the RSPCA, which was prompted by a distressing report from a member of the public who witnessed the abuse on the B3168 Ilminster to Curry Rivel Road.

According to the eyewitness account, the incident occurred in April 2021 when the observer saw Hodges and Cooper with a horse and cart. The witness described seeing the men pulling the horse, a piebald cob mare named Dy, with excessive force. The horse was attached to a trotting trap, and the observer noted that the men were pulling her from side to side in a very aggressive manner, using her bridle as leverage.

The eyewitness, who had experience with horses herself, immediately recognized signs of distress. She observed that Dy’s body language indicated she was traumatised; her legs were straight and firmly planted on the ground, her head was raised skyward, and her eyes appeared bulging and exhausted. The observer recounted pulling over to watch the scene unfold in horror as the two men began to physically assault the horse.

She described how Hodges and Cooper were shouting at Dy while hitting her with their hands, trying to force her to move. The situation escalated when Dy reared up in an attempt to escape, only to collapse onto her right side on the road. Despite her fall, the men continued their brutal treatment, kicking her hard in the body and head while screaming at her to get up. The witness detailed the violence, noting that both men were very angry and aggressive in their actions.

Haron Cooper, known to have a history of violent offences and a conviction for assault, was identified as one of the perpetrators. He is also recognized as a traveller with a record of animal abuse. The horse, Dy, suffered multiple injuries, including a 2cm cut between her front legs, a deeper cut on her elbow, abrasions on both sides of her mouth, bruising on her lower gums, and swelling over her ribs. An equine specialist veterinarian examined Dy and confirmed that her injuries were consistent with falling to the ground, rough rein handling, and bruising caused by the shaft of the cart.

Following the investigation, both men were prosecuted and found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the horse. The case was widely reported by local outlets including Chard and Ilminster News, SomersetLive, and BBC News.

In sentencing, Haron Cooper received a penalty of 300 hours of unpaid work, 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirements, a fine of £895 including victim surcharge, and was disqualified from owning any equines for ten years, a ban set to expire in October 2032. Additionally, he was deprived of ownership of Dy, who has been in the care of the RSPCA since her seizure and is now eligible for rehoming.

Keiron Hodges was ordered to complete five days of rehabilitation activities, pay a fine of £275 plus victim surcharge, and was given a five-year ban on keeping equines, which will expire in October 2027. The court also mandated that Dy be rehomed, ensuring her safety and well-being after her traumatic ordeal.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty within certain communities in Crewkerne and underscores the importance of vigilant reporting and enforcement to protect vulnerable animals from abuse.