CONVICTED (2017) | Kyla Martin, born 20/11/1990, of Rodgers Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5SL – left her horse to die in a waterlogged field Kyla Martin is banned from keeping horses until December 2020 Martin admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the 22-year-old horse, known as Delta. The mare was left in the field, unsupervised, with no access to a well-drained area where she could stand or rest. She was found dead in a spring in the field. The council said the field in Talke had become so flooded earlier in 2017 that its animal health officers had not been able to reach the horse for eight days. A spokesperson said: “The horse was found underwater and our officers presumed she had drowned, although we can’t say for certain.” In her defence, Martin was said to be unaware of the spring in the field. “People who keep any animal have a duty to ensure they are well cared for and kept free from harm,” said Cllr Gill Heath, the council’s leader on trading standards, following the hearing. “The judge in this case recognised that a horse was left to suffer in totally unsuitable conditions, and banned this person from keeping horses for three years. “Our trading standards animal health officers work with businesses and horse owners to make them aware of the legislation — the vast majority are responsible and play an important part in Staffordshire’s economy. “However, where there is neglect they will take prompt action.” Sentencing: ordered to pay £1,579, plus costs. Banned from keeping horses for three years (expired December 2020). Horse and Hound BBC News Update July 2022 Serial offender Martin was back before the courts on animal cruelty charges, this time in relation to a badly injured young lurcher named Poppy. She was given a community sentence and further three-year ban extended to all animals. Full details of the case here.