A Somerset man has been prohibited from owning horses for seven years after admitting to neglecting three horses, leaving them in a severely emaciated state. Kevin Roper, of Turnpike Road, Axbridge, pled guilty to an animal welfare offence following an RSPCA investigation.
Concerns about the horses’ welfare prompted RSPCA Inspector Kim Walters to visit Roper’s land in Winscombe. Upon arrival, she found a young grey cob exhibiting extreme lethargy and reluctance to graze. Despite its long coat, the horse’s hip bones, ribs, and spine were clearly visible, indicating severe undernourishment.
Among the group, a young piebald cob was also alarmingly underweight, with ribs, spine, and hip bones easily seen and felt. Additionally, a skewbald cob mare displayed similar emaciation, along with hair loss and rain scald. A veterinary examination confirmed that all three horses were “suffering unnecessarily.”
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Inspector Walters described the distressing scene in a witness statement: “As I approached, I noticed a young grey cob with its head held low, heavily scouring with staining on its tail and legs. Her hip bones, ribs, and spine were plainly visible. Nearby, the piebald cob was extremely underweight, and the skewbald mare showed pronounced bony prominences and skin issues.”
At North Somerset Magistrates' Court on December 15, 68-year-old Roper was banned for seven years from keeping horses, with a five-year non-appealable term. He was also ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £240 victim surcharge. During mitigation, Roper claimed he loved his horses and was unaware of their poor condition.
The horses, named Brie, Halloumi, and Cheddar, were transferred to HorseWorld for rehabilitation. Thanks to their care, Halloumi and Cheddar later gave birth to healthy foals.
Following sentencing, Inspector Walters emphasized the responsibility of animal owners: “All companion animals deserve proper care. Roper was breeding and dealing horses but failed to provide the necessary diet and veterinary attention. Animal owners must ensure the health and wellbeing of their animals are adequately met.”