Woman who neglected horse given 10-year ban

A woman has been banned from keeping horses for 10 years after admitting neglecting an animal in her care.

Suzanne Obrey, 44, of Martley Rd, Worcester, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal in a case brought by the RSPCA.

Obrey had been looking after the nine-year-old thoroughbred, named Chocolate Box, as part of a loan agreement.

But when she returned him to his owners in December 2023, Chocolate Box was "very thin, emaciated, with little fat cover", according to a vet who examined him.

Giving evidence at Worcester Magistrates' Court, the vet said the horse's skin was ulcerated and matted with hair and there were hardened, painful scabs on its legs.

"In my opinion, Chocolate Box was caused unnecessary suffering, caused by severe untreated skin lesions and malnutrition - the horse’s needs had not been met," the vet said.

In mitigation, the court was told that Obrey was an animal lover who had done her best, and the neglect was not deliberate but was due to incompetence.

As well as being banned from keeping horses for 10 years, she was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £400.

Chocolate Box, who made a full recovery from his injuries, is back in the care of his owners.