Great Work by Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team, RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, British Horse Society & Partner Agencies

A horse owner and breeder has been given a suspended jail term and disqualified from owning horses indefinitely after he admitted animal welfare offences relating to 41 horses in his care.

On 26 March 2025 a male originally from the Bickerton area, was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court for S4 and S9 offences of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 against horses.
He has received a six week sentence suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, along with 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154, and disqualified from owning horses indefinitely,
Police Officers from Cheshire Police attended the farm in Bickerton with the RSPCA , a vet, World Horse Welfare, and BHS in February 2024, where there were a number of horses including mares and their foals, pregnant mares, and even some horses being kept there on loan.
The RSPCA led the prosecution following on from World Horse Welfare initially attending a welfare report, this was a great example of joint agency working, with us executing the warrant where 41 horses and ponies were seized and placed into the care of the charities.

The court heard how the horses were discovered, some in filthy stables, the majority in fields and paddocks which were in poor body condition, suffering from rain scald and lice infestation.

It was a long sad day for all who attended as many of the horses were in very poor condition, I want to thank all the agencies involved including the vet and transport companies as moving 41 horses is a huge task, the support and the teamwork between everyone was excellent.

Animals are expensive to keep, it is not just the buying but the upkeep and additional costs of maintaining their health, so do your research before. If you are struggling with costs and the upkeep of animals don’t leave it too late, there are many charities out there who can provide help and advice.
RSPCA (England & Wales) The British Horse Society World Horse Welfare
PC Marson – Rural Crime Team Cheshire Police
(pictures provide by RSPCA)