SUSAN BRADBURN OF OAKHAM CONVICTED FOR HORSE NEGLECT IN RUTLAND

In a case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare organizations and the local community, Susan Jane Cross Bradburn, born in November 1957, residing at Barnett’s Farm on Church Road in Egleton, Oakham, Rutland, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to horses in her care. The incident, which came to light in 2015 and culminated in her conviction in 2017, involved severe neglect of multiple horses kept at her property.

The initial concerns were raised by the charity World Horse Welfare, which contacted the RSPCA in February 2015 after reports of distressing conditions at a yard located on Melton Road in Melton Mowbray. Investigations revealed that some of the horses were confined to stables that were in such a deplorable state that they had to stand on four feet of accumulated muck, highlighting the extent of neglect and poor management.

Among the horses affected were three Knabstrupper horses, a Danish breed renowned for their distinctive spotted coats. The animals seized by authorities included Leah, a 16-year-old mare; Max, a six-month-old colt; and an 18-month-old filly. These horses were subsequently placed into the care of the RSPCA to ensure their safety and rehabilitation.

In April 2016, Bradburn was convicted of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering due to their poor physical condition and three counts related to keeping the horses in unsuitable environments. She appealed both her conviction and her sentence, but in February 2017, her appeal was dismissed, and her ban on keeping equines was reduced from seven years to five years. Despite the reduction, she was ordered to pay costs amounting to £3,000.

During her appeal hearing, Bradburn admitted to offences concerning two of the horses, but the allegations involving a third horse were dropped. Her sentencing included a 16-week jail term suspended for one year, 150 hours of community service, and a financial penalty initially set at £1,500, which was increased to £3,000 following her appeal. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping horses for a period of five years, a ban that expired in February 2022.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing efforts of authorities and charities to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse. The community and animal welfare advocates continue to monitor and promote responsible care for all equines in the region.