NICHOLE HALL'S HORRIBLE NEGLECT IN GATESHEAD: HORSES AND DOGS SUFFER IN CRUELTY

Nichole Louise Hall, born on July 10, 1991, and residing at the Caravan Park on Baltic Road in Gateshead NE10 0SB, was found guilty of severe animal neglect involving four horses and two dogs. Her neglectful actions led to her being subjected to a court hearing where her failure to care for these animals was thoroughly examined and condemned.

On February 12, 2020, an investigation was launched after the RSPCA received a distressing video from a concerned member of the public. The footage depicted a black cob horse in a dire state of health, with its hips, ribs, and spine clearly visible, indicating extreme malnutrition and neglect. This prompted RSPCA inspector Heidi Cleaver, accompanied by two independent veterinarians and a police officer, to visit a compound located at Low Heworth Lane, Gateshead, where the animals were kept.

During the inspection, it was discovered that three of the four horses owned by Hall were in a deplorable condition. All four horses were found without access to water and confined within stables that were filthy, filled with droppings, and lacking clean, dry bedding suitable for resting. The stables contained only minimal amounts of hay, which was dirty and trampled into the muck, further emphasizing the neglect. The surrounding compound was cluttered and hazardous, with various debris and dangers lying around, creating an unsafe environment for the animals.

In addition to the horses, two dogs belonging to Hall were found at the site. These were a tri-coloured Jack Russell named Patsy and a pale brindle whippet called Gracie. Both dogs were kept in a small, open-topped metal pen that was heavily soiled with faeces. Despite the freezing weather and ongoing snow showers, the dogs had access to a plastic kennel and some bedding, but it was damp and inadequate. There was no food available, and the water supply consisted of rainwater collected in dirty bowls, which was insufficient for their needs. Recognizing the animals' suffering, police seized Patsy and Gracie under the Animal Welfare Act and transferred them into the care of the RSPCA.

The four horses were examined individually by veterinary professionals. Nancy, a black cob mare, was found to be extremely underweight, with her hips, ribs, and spine prominently visible, indicating she was suffering unnecessarily. Django, a skewbald cob, was also underweight, with overgrown hooves and a body condition score of just two out of five. Jake, another skewbald cob, was in similarly poor health, with a score of 1.5 out of five, and was found to be in a state of neglect. Dusty, a cob filly, was in relatively better condition with a score of 2.5, but the vet expressed concern that her health could deteriorate if her circumstances did not improve, noting her very overgrown hooves.

During the removal process, Nancy was so weak that she collapsed as she was led away, highlighting the severity of her condition. All four horses and the two dogs are now under the care of the RSPCA, and since their rescue, they have shown signs of recovery and are thriving. The animals are expected to be rehomed soon, offering them a chance at a better life.

Hall appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court, where she pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences. She admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to two of the horses by neglecting their health and failing to investigate or address their poor conditions. She also acknowledged her failure to meet the basic needs of all four horses and two dogs under her care.

In her mitigation, Hall explained that she was caring for a relative at the time and was overwhelmed, describing her situation as “spinning too many plates.”

The court sentenced her to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities and 180 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £500 in costs. A significant part of her punishment was a five-year ban on keeping horses, which will remain in effect until July 2026, preventing her from owning or caring for equine animals during this period.