RUSSELL WHITEHEAD FROM APPLEBY MAGNA SENTENCED FOR HORSE NEGLECT IN SWADLINCOTE
| Red Rose Database
Appleby Magna Animal Abuser
In a distressing case of animal neglect, Russell Whitehead, born around 1988 and residing at the Black Horse Inn on 2 Top Street in Appleby Magna, Swadlincote, was found responsible for the severe mistreatment of a horse named Paris. The neglect persisted for at least four months, during which the horse was left to suffer from extreme malnutrition, ultimately becoming so emaciated that she was described as 'skin and bones.'
Whitehead, who co-owns the Black Horse Inn with his husband Dale Whitehead, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering and failing to safeguard the animal from harm. The case came to light after social media posts revealed Paris's dire condition, prompting intervention by the RSPCA.
On February 19, 2022, Inspector Harlock responded to the scene accompanied by police officers. They were met by members of the public and Whitehead himself, who approached the officers and claimed responsibility for the horse. Whitehead explained that Paris had been 'gifted' to him, and he had been caring for her. The owner of Paris, who was contacted during the investigation, arrived at the scene to take custody of the horse. Subsequently, Paris was transported to an equine veterinary clinic for assessment and treatment.
Inspector Harlock described the condition of Paris in detail: "Even with her rug on, I could see her hip bones and the lack of muscle on her neck. She was extremely underweight, with all her ribs and hip bones clearly visible. Her body condition was severely compromised."
Veterinary experts examined Paris and confirmed the extent of her suffering. Their report stated that her emaciation was solely due to inadequate nutrition, leading to the breakdown of body fat and muscle tissue. The neglect extended beyond nutrition, with clear signs of neglect in routine health care such as foot trimming, dental care, and grooming. The experts estimated that her suffering had lasted at least four to six months, noting that her teeth had not been rasped for over a year.
Despite efforts to improve her condition, Paris's health deteriorated further when she developed colic a few days after rescue. Tragically, her condition worsened, and she had to be euthanized to alleviate her suffering.
In court, Whitehead was sentenced to an 18-month community order, which included 300 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £295 in costs and charges. Additionally, he received a lifetime ban on keeping all animals, reflecting the severity of his neglect and the court's stance on animal welfare in this case.
Whitehead, who co-owns the Black Horse Inn with his husband Dale Whitehead, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering and failing to safeguard the animal from harm. The case came to light after social media posts revealed Paris's dire condition, prompting intervention by the RSPCA.
On February 19, 2022, Inspector Harlock responded to the scene accompanied by police officers. They were met by members of the public and Whitehead himself, who approached the officers and claimed responsibility for the horse. Whitehead explained that Paris had been 'gifted' to him, and he had been caring for her. The owner of Paris, who was contacted during the investigation, arrived at the scene to take custody of the horse. Subsequently, Paris was transported to an equine veterinary clinic for assessment and treatment.
Inspector Harlock described the condition of Paris in detail: "Even with her rug on, I could see her hip bones and the lack of muscle on her neck. She was extremely underweight, with all her ribs and hip bones clearly visible. Her body condition was severely compromised."
Veterinary experts examined Paris and confirmed the extent of her suffering. Their report stated that her emaciation was solely due to inadequate nutrition, leading to the breakdown of body fat and muscle tissue. The neglect extended beyond nutrition, with clear signs of neglect in routine health care such as foot trimming, dental care, and grooming. The experts estimated that her suffering had lasted at least four to six months, noting that her teeth had not been rasped for over a year.
Despite efforts to improve her condition, Paris's health deteriorated further when she developed colic a few days after rescue. Tragically, her condition worsened, and she had to be euthanized to alleviate her suffering.
In court, Whitehead was sentenced to an 18-month community order, which included 300 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £295 in costs and charges. Additionally, he received a lifetime ban on keeping all animals, reflecting the severity of his neglect and the court's stance on animal welfare in this case.