TRACEY ATCHISON FROM EAST HOWE FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER HORSE'S SUFFERING IN BOURNEMOUTH

In a case that has drawn significant concern from animal welfare advocates, Tracey Atchison, a resident of East Howe Lane in Bournemouth, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her horse, a chestnut gelding named Sonny. The incident, which took place over several years, involved the neglect and inadequate treatment of severe, malignant sarcoids—tumorous growths that severely compromised the horse's health and well-being.

Sonny, a New Forest pony, was subjected to prolonged suffering due to untreated sarcoids that had become ulcerated and oozing. The condition was so severe that veterinary experts concluded the horse had to be euthanized. Despite the evident pain and deterioration, Atchison was not prohibited from owning animals afterward, as she demonstrated the ability to care for another horse and was considered to have a good character prior to the incident.

The investigation was initiated after concerns were raised by animal welfare organizations, prompting a detailed inquiry by RSPCA officers. Inspector Tina Ward described the extent of Sonny’s injuries, noting that the horse had large, varied sarcoids covering his chest, between his front legs, around his sheath, and on his back legs. Some of these growths had thick, rough scabs with deep cracks that appeared to be oozing, while others were bulbous with inflamed, red areas that also oozed pus and serum.

Two independent veterinary experts examined Sonny and reached a consensus that euthanasia was the only humane option due to the severity of his condition. The vets reported that the sarcoids had been left untreated for years, causing significant pain and tissue invasion. One veterinarian’s report detailed that Sonny exhibited clear signs of pain, such as flinching when touched and muscle clenching, indicative of ongoing suffering.

The report further described the sarcoids as ulcerated, bleeding, and oozing, with sizes ranging from approximately 14 centimeters down to just half a centimeter. Many of the growths were pendulous and rubbed against each other or the horse’s limbs as he moved. The veterinarian also noted a foul smell of necrotic tissue emanating from the affected areas, underscoring the severity of the neglect.

It was concluded that Sonny had been suffering from these painful tumors for at least two years, and that Atchison’s failure to seek timely veterinary intervention constituted a breach of her duty of care. The neglect was deemed to have caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal.

In court, Atchison was fined £120 and ordered to pay £200 in costs. The court decided not to impose a ban on her owning equines, citing the time elapsed since the offense—between 2017 and 2019—and her demonstrated ability to care for another horse. The decision also considered her previous good character, despite the gravity of the neglect involved.