VICTORIA YOUNG BRIDGNORTH HORSE ABANDONMENT HORRORS

Victoria Bailey Young, a resident of Bridgnorth, has been found guilty of neglecting her horse, leading to the animal's tragic death from starvation and hypothermia. The incident took place in a bleak, isolated field in the Alveley area of Bridgnorth, where Young kept her chestnut mare, Diamond.

Victoria Young, born around 1979 and residing at 10 Oak Bank, Daddlebrook Road, Alveley, Bridgnorth WV15 6JS, was convicted in connection with the neglect that resulted in the death of her horse. As a consequence of her actions, she has been permanently banned from owning any animals, a restriction that will stand for the rest of her life, although she retains the right to appeal after five years.

The case drew significant attention from local animal welfare authorities and the RSPCA, which launched a detailed investigation after the horse's body was discovered in late December 2020. The investigation revealed that Diamond had been left in a field without adequate shelter or sufficient food during the harsh winter months. Despite the severe weather conditions, including snow, rain, and strong winds, Young failed to provide her with a proper coat or supplementary feeding.

Diamond had been kept in the same field and nearby stables since mid-2020. Initially, she was in good health, but her condition rapidly declined over the following months. By late October 2020, her health was visibly deteriorating, yet Young did not seek veterinary assistance or investigate the cause of her worsening condition. Veterinarians later concluded that the horse's decline was primarily due to malnutrition and exposure, with the most probable cause of death being hypothermia.

Witnesses reported that the mare was seen attempting to eat from trees, an abnormal behavior indicating her desperation and poor condition. The field where she was kept was found to lack sufficient grazing, and hay was only observed on one occasion, with no evidence of any supplementary feed being provided. The vets noted that Diamond was found without a rug, despite the freezing temperatures that persisted in Bridgnorth during that period.

Inspector Thea Kerrison of the RSPCA, who led the investigation, expressed her concern over the case. She stated, “This poor horse suffered as a consequence of her owner’s failure to investigate her rapidly declining body condition and weight loss. Unfortunately, poor Diamond simply didn’t have an appropriate diet — with grazing conditions totally unsuitable, and supplementary food lacking. When her dead body was found last December, Diamond wasn’t even wearing a rug, despite the severe recent weather conditions. Vets suspect she died due to hypothermia. Her body was thin, and I could see her ribs.”

Kerrison emphasized that the tragedy could have been prevented had Young taken her legal responsibilities seriously and addressed the horse’s deteriorating health earlier. She added, “This case reminds us what can go wrong when owners neglect their animals’ welfare and ignore their legal obligations.”

Victoria Young was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail, with additional costs and charges amounting to £878. Her ban from owning animals is indefinite, though she has the right to appeal after five years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible animal ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect in rural areas like Bridgnorth.