TARA SUTTON FROM LISBURN CONVICTED FOR HORSE NEGLECT NEAR BODMIN

Tara Louise Sutton, a resident of Lisburn, was found guilty on Thursday, October 25, 2018, of severe neglect involving eight ponies in the vicinity of Bodmin. Sutton, born around 1975 and owner of a pony rental business called Miss Polly’s Ponies, faced charges brought forward by the RSPCA after a detailed investigation into the welfare of her animals.

According to reports, Sutton abandoned her ponies—named Cherry, Tic-Tac, Millie, Benson, Cilla, Lady, and two ponies known as George— in a field described as dangerously boggy and unsuitable for grazing. The animals were left in deplorable conditions, with some suffering from such extreme malnutrition that their bones were visible through their skin. The ponies were discovered in April 2018, in a state of neglect that prompted immediate intervention.

Among the ponies found in distress, four—two Shetlands named George and Cilla, a cob known as George, and Cherry—were particularly underweight, with their skeletal structures clearly visible, indicating prolonged neglect and inadequate care. The investigation was led by RSPCA inspector Claire Ryder, who emphasized the gravity of the situation. She stated, “This case is a reminder that caring for horses is a huge responsibility and highlights the importance of ensuring their welfare.”

Inspector Ryder further explained that Sutton had failed to meet the basic needs of her animals. The ponies were kept in unsuitable conditions, with no access to proper forage or food, and only a small amount of dirty water available to them. The land where they were left to graze was described as dangerously boggy, forcing the ponies to stand in deep mud, which posed additional health risks.

Despite receiving advice and assistance from the RSPCA, other equine charities, and a veterinarian from Defra, Sutton continued to neglect her responsibilities. She disregarded recommendations aimed at improving the animals’ welfare, leading to the court’s decision to prosecute her for her actions.

In sentencing, the court ordered Sutton to serve 12 weeks in custody, suspended for twelve months, and imposed a fine of £300. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any equines for a period of three years, a disqualification that expired in October 2021. The court also suspended the disqualification and seizure orders for 28 days, providing her with an opportunity to find suitable homes for the ponies currently in her care. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the legal consequences of neglecting such responsibilities.