ANIMAL lovers are being urged to monitor the activities of a man jailed for cruelty to his horses.

John Watson Harrop, of Green Lane, Bishop Auckland, was last week sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after losing his appeal against a conviction for eight counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

The 34-year-old was also banned from having anything to do with horses for ten years, a ruling which cannot be appealed for at least a year.

Inspector Martin Peace, of Bishop Auckland police, said they will be working with the RSPCA if they are notified of any sightings of Harrop with horses once he is out of prison.

Eight horses belonging to Harrop were found in fields near Newfields, Willington, County Durham, in February last year.

The animals were found to be in a poor state with some suffering infections, rotten teeth and split hooves.

Harrop was convicted at Darlington Magistrates Court on November 22 last year.

At Durham Crown Court on Friday, June 21, Judge Christopher Prince threw out his appeal after finding the offences amounted to prolonged cruelty against the horses.

Insp Peace said if Harrop is seen owning, keeping, participating in keeping, transporting or arranging transport for horses once he is released from prison the police need to be informed.

He also praised those involved for bringing the case to court.

“It is an excellent example of partnership working to tackle this problem,” he said. “It is really good work by the RSPCA.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101.