PHILIP STRACHAN FROM GOOLE BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER HORSE IN HORRIBLE CONDITION IN EAST YORKSHIRE

Philip Strachan, a resident of Goole, faced serious legal consequences after his elderly mare, known as Tessa, was discovered in a deplorable state in a field in Lund, East Yorkshire. The case drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities due to the severe neglect and suffering inflicted upon the horse.

In March 2017, the RSPCA received an urgent call from a concerned individual reporting the condition of the horse. A World Horse Welfare Field Officer, Sarah Tucker, responded to the distressing scene on a cold, wet day. Upon arrival, she found Tessa, a bay Thoroughbred-type mare, wearing a thin blue rug. Despite the rug, her skeletal hips and pelvic bones were clearly visible, indicating extreme emaciation.

Strachan’s horse was confined within a field that contained a makeshift shelter. Inside, the bedding was filthy, wet, and contaminated with feces, reflecting a lack of basic care and hygiene. Sarah Tucker described her observations: “I attended the location on a cold, miserable wet day where I found a bay Thoroughbred-type mare wearing a thin blue rug. Even through the rug I could see her hips and pelvic bones sticking out.”

She immediately contacted RSPCA Inspector Claire Mitchell and veterinary surgeon Kirsty Nelson of Aldgate Vets, Driffield, to assist with the situation. When they arrived, they carefully removed the rug and discovered a large, scabbed wound on the horse’s withers, which had become attached to the rug. Tessa’s coat was dull, and she was suffering from a severe lice infestation, further highlighting her neglected state.

Sarah Tucker recounted the heartbreaking scene: “Seeing her stood alone in the field with only a thin sheet for warmth, she looked in a pitiful state. All of her bones were protruding, and her body was covered in lice. This situation was entirely unnecessary and could have been prevented with basic care, including proper nutrition, a clean bedding area, and an appropriate rug to help maintain her body condition.”

Following her rescue, Tessa was taken to a safe location where she could receive the veterinary attention she desperately needed. Sadly, her condition was so dire that she collapsed shortly after arriving at the facility. The veterinary team made the difficult decision to euthanize her 72 hours later, on humane grounds.

Inspector Claire Mitchell expressed her sorrow over the case: “Tessa was the thinnest horse I have ever seen. She was very wobbly on her feet, and given her age and condition, the outlook was grim. This was a truly upsetting case—older animals require extra care, but Tessa was neglected, and she suffered as a result.”

She emphasized that age does not justify neglect: “Just because an animal is elderly doesn’t mean it’s normal or acceptable for them to be suffering. If you have an old horse that is thin or ill, there is clearly a problem that needs veterinary attention.”

In court, Philip Strachan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting the needs of his aged mare. The court sentenced him to a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £300 in costs and was disqualified from keeping any equines for the rest of his life. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible animal ownership and the necessity of providing proper care, especially for vulnerable, elderly animals.