KELLY HOYLE FROM ROTHWELL FACES JUSTICE OVER HORSE ABUSE IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Kelly Hoyle, a resident of Rothwell, has been at the center of a disturbing case involving severe neglect and suffering inflicted upon two horses she was responsible for. Born on February 17, 1981, Hoyle, who is currently unemployed and a mother of three, faced serious legal consequences after authorities uncovered the appalling conditions in which her animals were kept. Her case was prosecuted by the RSPCA, leading to her being banned from owning or keeping any equines for a period of five years, a restriction that will remain in effect until December 2028.

In February 2023, a joint operation involving the RSPCA and Northamptonshire police resulted in a raid at a property in Northamptonshire, where the two horses were being housed. The inspection revealed a scene of neglect and suffering that shocked even seasoned animal welfare officers. Among the animals was a bay stallion named Reuben, who was found in a dire state. Inspector Sue Haywood from the RSPCA described the scene: “In the first penned-off area was a bay stallion, called Reuben. He had a worn and torn rug on and appeared very subdued. It was immediately evident that the horse was suffering from a severely enlarged necrotic penis.”

She continued, “The rug was removed, and it was heartbreaking to see how underweight he was, with the bones of his hips, spine, and ribs clearly visible. The veterinarian examined him and confirmed that his penis was enlarged, with dead tissue at the end. The smell of infection and pus was overwhelming and pungent, indicating a serious health issue.”

The conditions of Reuben’s enclosure were equally alarming. The area was a makeshift stable, partly covered, with no access to grazing land. The ground was littered with old, moldy hay and straw, covered in feces, and surrounded by hazards such as broken glass from a window frame and a garden fork with the prongs pointing upward. Water was available only in a plastic tub, but the environment was otherwise hazardous and unsuitable for a living creature. The veterinarian advised that, due to his suffering, the kindest option was to euthanize Reuben.

Another horse, Tia, was also examined. She was in a similarly poor state, with a very lean body, ribs, hips, and spine prominently visible through her skin. She also had large melanomas near her anus. Despite receiving round-the-clock veterinary care, her condition did not improve, and she was suffering from colic. Tragically, Tia was also euthanized to prevent further suffering.

Inspector Haywood expressed her shock at the conditions: “This suffering could have been prevented if proper veterinary attention had been provided. It is essential that owners seek veterinary care when needed, but in this case, that did not happen. The condition of Reuben and Tia was the worst I have seen in my career. Everyone involved was completely shocked.”

Kelly Hoyle admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to her animals and failing to meet their welfare needs. During court proceedings, she expressed remorse and acknowledged that she should have arranged veterinary treatment. She claimed that personal difficulties and vandalism of her fields contributed to her neglect.

Sentencing in her case resulted in a 23-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with requirements for rehabilitation and a total financial penalty of £654, including costs and surcharge. Additionally, she was disqualified from owning or keeping any equines for five years, a ban that will last until December 2028.

Furthermore, a court order was issued to prohibit Hoyle from owning, keeping, dealing with, transporting, or controlling any equines during this period. This order took effect from November 29, 2023, and will remain in force for five years, with no applications for its termination permitted during that time.

In March 2024, Hoyle was brought back to court after breaching her ban. She was seen riding a horse in a field off Stoke Road, Northampton, which prompted an inspection of her property. Authorities discovered two horses believed to be in her possession. It was later revealed that these horses had been sold for just £40 to a local farrier in January 2024, meaning she had owned them for two months after her ban had been imposed. The sale was delayed, and the transaction was not official until January, which raised questions about her compliance with the court order.

During the hearing, her legal representative, Richard Bolch, explained that Hoyle had been involved with horses for most of her life. He stated that one of the horses was nine years old, and the other was 14, both considered middle-aged and pensioners. Bolch also mentioned that Hoyle was undergoing treatment for mental health issues and had been engaging with mental health services. He argued that her actions were misguided but not malicious.

Deputy District Judge Samantha Rastogi acknowledged the seriousness of the breach but also noted Hoyle’s efforts to comply with her previous sentence. She warned her that activating the suspended sentence could have severe consequences and extended her prison term by an additional six months, making her sentence now 18 months in total. Hoyle was also ordered to pay a fine of £120, a victim surcharge of £48, and costs of £85, which will be deducted from her benefits at a rate of £20 per month. The judge cautioned her that any future breaches could result in her being sent to prison again.