NATALIE MORRIS HORSE ABUSE SCANDAL IN HAVERFORDWEST: COURT REVERSES ANIMAL KEEPING BAN

Natalie Morris, a resident of Bush Row in Haverfordwest, was found guilty in 2023 of neglecting her horse, leading to severe consequences for the animal’s health and her own legal standing. The case centered around a 12-year-old bay gelding named Ben, who was discovered in a field in an emaciated state, suffering from extreme weather conditions and neglect.

Ben was found with a body condition score of just 1 out of 5, indicating severe malnutrition. A veterinarian who examined the horse reported that Ben was suffering from significant rain scald along his back, a skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to wet weather, and pitting edema in both hind limbs, which is indicative of serious health issues. The condition of the horse was so dire that immediate intervention was necessary.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben provided a detailed account of his investigation. In his witness statement, he revealed that when he initially spoke with Morris, she denied ownership of Ben but admitted she had been caring for him. The inspector recounted that on 19 February 2022, he met Morris at a field located on Clay Lane in Haverfordwest. During this visit, after removing Ben’s rug, the inspector could see the horse’s ribs, hips, and spine protruding sharply through his winter coat, a clear sign of neglect.

Morris claimed that she had taken possession of Ben in early December 2021 and was only supposed to care for him temporarily, for about a month. Following the inspection, Ben was removed from the field and taken into the care of the RSPCA for treatment and recovery. Further investigation revealed that ownership of Ben had been transferred to Morris in July 2021, according to a woman who previously owned the horse.

Despite her claims of innocence, Morris pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Ben. However, she was convicted in her absence, meaning the court found sufficient evidence of neglect. Fortunately, Ben has now recovered fully and has been rehomed to a caring environment.

In terms of sentencing, Morris received a 12-month community order, was ordered to pay £1,200 in costs, and a £65 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping any animals for five years, a ban that will expire in April 2028.

It is noteworthy that this case is not isolated. In March 2021, Morris was interviewed by the BBC following the death of her four-month-old foal, Chicco. She claimed that Chicco had died from a stomach blockage after being fed inappropriate foods such as potato peelings, pasta, and sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil and clingfilm by passersby. The death of Chicco’s mother, Lady, shortly afterward, was possibly linked to the stress caused by losing her foal. This incident raised concerns about Morris’s ability to care for her animals properly, especially considering her involvement in a public campaign to #StopFeedingOurHorses, which highlights the importance of responsible animal feeding.

However, in December 2023, Morris’s ban on keeping animals was overturned following an appeal. Ian Ibrahim, representing her at the hearing, argued that the blanket ban was unnecessary and disproportionate, citing her extensive background and history with animals. The court noted that aside from the case involving Ben, there was no evidence of cruelty towards other animals owned by Morris. The appeal was successful, and her disqualification was lifted. Morris was ordered to contribute £200 towards the case costs. This development suggests a reconsideration of her capacity to care for animals, although questions about her past conduct remain.