A woman who neglected a horse so badly that it died has been handed a temporary ban from keeping equine animals.

Gillian Margaret Carr, whose address was given as Fulbrooks Close, Bridport, appeared before Weymouth Magistrates' Court on Friday, December 9 for sentencing.

Carr, 61, had been found guilty of three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal - namely a black Friesian horse called Henry - which ultimately led to his death.

The charges related to a course of conduct between December 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.

Between these dates the horse, Henry, suffered from muscular atrophy which Carr failed to investigate or address. She also failed to provide routine parasite care for worms and lice or provide a suitable diet for Henry.

Between December 29 and December 31 the animal collapsed at a field near Nallers Farm, in Askerswell, and Carr failed to obtain or seek veterinary attention for the horse.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated for the charity, described what she saw when she approached Henry.

She said: “I could see what appeared to be a horse lying on the floor but could not see from where I was whether the horse was alive or dead but he was not moving.

“I entered the field via a metal gate and approached. It was then clear that the horse was sadly dead.

“He was laid on his left hand side with his head flat on the floor. Around him was turned over soil where he appeared to have slid and then struggled whilst down. There were marks where the front hooves appeared to have been scraping at the ground. He was in extremely poor body condition with his spine clearly prominent and his ribs easily felt. The hip bones protruded and there was a pile of horses feaces by his tail.”

Carr pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty following a summary trial in September of this year.

A 12 week prison sentence was imposed, suspended for two years, on the basis that the 'offence was so serious (a) prolonged period of neglect that resulted in death'.

The 61 year old was also banned from keeping equine animals for a period of two years.

Carr has been ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work during a 12 month period, pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £128.