A FATHER-OF-TWO has been banned from keeping horses for five years after his animals were found with overgrown hooves, lice and liver disease.

The RSCPA rescued eight horses belonging to Warren O’Neill from his stables near Middridge Lane in Shildon, County Durham, in March.

All eight horses were in poor physical condition, with one male piebald cob in such a state the vet was forced to put it down.

O’Neill, of Ramsay Drive, Ferryhill, pleaded guilty to nine charges of failing to ensure the welfare of animals in his care at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Thursday, November 20).

The 24-year-old also admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by failing to seek veterinary care during the same period, Friday, February 14 to Saturday, March 1.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting, said the euthanised horse was suffering from a lice infestation, respiratory tract infection and symptoms of liver disease.

“The horse was very subdued and weak,” he said. “The hooves were enlarged with crumbly frogs and a foul smell.

“There was nasal discharge coming from the horse and it clearly had problems breathing.”

The other horses, which are now being cared for by the RSPCA, were suffering from a range of complaints, including overgrown hooves, anaemia, lice, worms and dehydration.

O’Neill, who was unrepresented, said he had owned horses all of his life and visited the stables daily.

He said: “All horses have lice at that time of year and the vet said there was no sign of them being lame. I would have done something if there was.

“I pleaded not guilty at first because, in my eyes, I didn’t think they were that bad but I am not going to argue with a vet who is a professional.

“I want the horses back. I am willing to work with the RSPCA but there has been none of that. I thought they were supposed to help?”

O’Neill, a power line subcontractor, was sentenced to 20 weeks in custody suspended for two years and a two-year community order comprising probation supervision and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also disqualified from keeping horses for five years and the ordered to pay £480 court costs, an £80 victim surcharge and £5,000 towards vets bills and animal care.