Trio sentenced for cruelty at Cornwall horse therapy centre

Three people have been sentenced for committing animal cruelty offences at an equine therapy centre in Cornwall.

James Baker, 55, and Sarah Baker, 33, from Par, admitted six counts of causing unnecessary suffering to horses, ponies, a donkey and a goat.

Darren Laker, 46, also from Par, admitted one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a horse.

The Bakers were jailed for nine months for each count, suspended for two years, at Truro Crown Court.

Laker was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The Bakers ran a community interest company called Family Nest Equine Therapy, now dissolved, which ran pony parties, riding lessons and therapy for veterans.

Concerns were raised by a member of the public when some animals were seen malnourished and in a poor state, the court heard.

Sentencing, Judge Simon Carr said it was one of the worst cases of animal neglect he had seen.

"They would have been in agony, not only from wounds but also malnutrition," he said.

"There is no excuse for what you both did."

The Bakers were also disqualified from owning any animal while Laker, who was the centre's yard manager, was disqualified from owning an equine for 10 years.

Miranda Albinson, an inspector at the RSPCA, said owners should always ensure their animals are cared for.

"Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy," she said.

"Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them."

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