LYNDA WENT FROM ALFORD SENTENCED FOR HORSE ABUSE IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Lynda Elizabeth Went, a resident of Lake View Bungalow on Alford Road in Thoresthorpe, Alford, was convicted in 2019 for causing unnecessary suffering to horses under her care. The case highlighted serious concerns about animal welfare and neglect in the rural community of Alford, Lincolnshire.

Went faced charges related to her treatment of four Arab-type horses between July 13, 2018, and September 13, 2018, in Thoresthorpe. It was established that she failed to properly care for the animals, specifically neglecting to address their overgrown hooves, which is a basic aspect of equine health and welfare. This neglect resulted in unnecessary suffering for the horses, a violation of animal protection laws.

In addition to the hoof neglect, Went was found to have failed in her duty to provide a suitable environment for two Arab stallions under her responsibility. She did not take reasonable steps to ensure that their living conditions met the standards of good practice, which includes providing adequate space, shelter, and proper care to meet their needs. These failures demonstrated a disregard for the well-being of the animals entrusted to her care.

The court proceedings resulted in a series of penalties aimed at both punishing the neglect and preventing future abuse. For the first offence, Went was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, but this sentence was suspended for 18 months, meaning she would not serve time unless she committed another offence within that period. During this supervision period, she was also required to complete 60 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £250 in court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Furthermore, the court issued two ‘Section 33’ orders, which effectively deprived Went of ownership rights over the horses, and a ‘Section 34’ order was imposed to disqualify her from owning, keeping, or participating in the care of horses for a period of five years. This disqualification was set to expire in January 2024, ensuring she could not influence or control the animals’ welfare during that time.

For the second offence, which was related to her failure to meet the animals’ needs, Went received a concurrent 12-week suspended prison sentence. The combined penalties reflect the seriousness of her neglect and the legal system’s commitment to safeguarding animal welfare in Lincolnshire, particularly in the Alford area where the case drew significant local attention.