A County Durham has been disqualified from keeping equines after admitting causing suffering to his horse - with a tightly fitted headcollar causing injuries that could have been "easily prevented".
George Robert Watson, 51, of Cedar Terrace, West Cornforth appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court where he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a stallion known as ‘Delboy,’ in a case brought by the RSPCA.
Delboy was found with a headcollar so tightly fitted to his head that the metal clip had dug into his skin - causing a painful wound.
The District Judge disqualified Watson from owning horses for three years. He was also ordered to pay a £300 fine, a victim surcharge of £80 and costs of £725.
An RSPCA Inspector had attended the field close to the A1(M) near Bishop Middleham, Ferryhill on May 5 2023, after concerns were raised to the charity about the welfare of a horse.
The inspector observed a tethered piebald stallion cob horse, but immediately noticed the horse's tight head collar buckle embedded in around the left side of his face/jaw area.
They said in a witness statement: “The clip on the left-hand side of Delboy’s face had dug into the side of his cheek and caused a deep gash which was oozing puss. The whole left-hand side of the pony's face was extremely swollen, it was noticeable from a distance away.”
A specialist equine vet was called and after examining Delboy certified that he was suffering, and Durham Police placed him into the care of the RSPCA, where he was transported for veterinary treatment.
In their witness statement, the veterinary surgeon stated: “The soft tissues around the wound were swollen and tender, and the wound where the clip was embedded was painful and the horse did react to me removing the clip.
"These wounds could have been easily prevented by the owner not allowing such a tight headcollar - I believe it had most likely been in place for several weeks as a minimum."
They added: “By failing to identify a tight headcollar which therefore caused painful wounds to the face, and by also failing to identify wounds that were present and immediately removing the headcollar and seeking veterinary attention to provide first aid and pain relief as a minimum, it is my professional opinion that this owner has caused unnecessary pain and suffering to this horse.”
Delboy was signed over to the care of the RSPCA by Watson. He has since been cared for at an RSPCA establishment and has recovered well. When he is ready, the team will look to find him a loving new home.
The investigating RSPCA Inspector said after sentencing: “I’m pleased we were able to get Delboy to safety and have his wounds treated.
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"It’s so important that horse owners regularly check on their animals for signs of discomfort or poor health, especially when they are left wearing head collars or rugs for any length of time.
"I’m so pleased that Delboy has made such a good recovery from his wounds, and that he will now go on to be adopted into a loving new home.”
In mitigation given for Watson, it was heard that a relationship break up and a foot injury were factors.
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