CONVICTED (2021) | gypsy traveller Shane William Smith, born 11 October 1982, of Middle Road in North Baddesley, Southampton SO52 – let horses suffer until they became very thin and unwell Shane William Smith Father-of-four Shane Smith was prosecuted by the RSPCA after leaving horses Mexican and Guinness without suitable care and treatment between November 19 and December 3, 2019. Concerns about the welfare of the horses, who were kept on land off Sandy Lane in Romsey, were raised by World Horse Welfare which prompted a probe by the RSPCA. Skewbald Mexican was described as extremely thin with very little muscle and fat over his body particularly around his back, with his spine and rib cage prominent through his winter coat. Meanwhile, Guinness – a piebald – had an open wound along his spine which was covered in hair, scabs and purple antibacterial spray. He was found wearing a single shoe and a large rug. The vet who examined them found they were suffering as a result of failure to seek veterinary attention for Mexican’s weight loss, and for the wound on Guinness. Sentencing: ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and £500 towards vet bills. Deprivation order on the two horses. Two-year ban on owning equines (expires March 2023). Both horses were signed over from Smith’s ownership. Daily Echo