KIRSTY HAMILTON FROM BURY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO EMACIATED HORSE AT NOOK FARM

Kirsty Hamilton, a resident of Martin Street in Bury, was found guilty in 2018 of neglecting her responsibilities towards an Arab mare named Blossom, who was kept at stables located at Nook Farm on Nook Lane in Tyldesley, Astley. The case drew attention after a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA, raising alarms about the condition of the horse, which was severely underweight and suffering from a serious hoof infection.

Upon investigation, RSPCA inspector Danni Jennings reported that Blossom’s condition was alarming. The mare’s bodyweight was rated as a one on a scale of one to nine, with one indicating extreme emaciation. The veterinarian who examined her confirmed that Blossom was suffering from a severe case of thrush affecting all her hooves, a painful and untreated infection that had been left to worsen over time.

Inspector Jennings described the scene: “The horse was clearly in an emaciated state and had other health issues that had not been addressed, such as overgrown teeth. The infection in her hooves was severe and was caused by her standing in faeces within a dark, damp stable environment for an extended period.”

At the time of the neglect, Kirsty Hamilton was accompanied by her then-boyfriend, Joe Cannon, who is known to come from a family involved in horse dealing and social media raffles, a background that has garnered some notoriety.

During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that Hamilton was facing personal difficulties and was pregnant at the time of the neglect. Despite these mitigating circumstances, the court emphasized the severity of Blossom’s condition and the neglect she endured.

Following her rescue, Blossom was taken for veterinary treatment and has since been placed in the care of a charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. The case highlighted the importance of animal welfare laws and the responsibilities of owners to ensure proper care.

In sentencing, Kirsty Hamilton received a 12-month community order and a curfew order, requiring her to remain at home during specified hours. She was also ordered to pay a total of £1,585 in costs and charges related to the case. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any equines for a period of one year, a measure intended to prevent further neglect or abuse of horses under her care.