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Surviving horses fight for life as shocked RSPCA officers say farm horror is Britain's worst case of animal cruelty
Last updated at 22:52pm on 11.01.08Some of the worst affected horses of the Amersham 'horror' farm were today being cared for at various animal sanctuaries as the full shocking extent of the conditions in which the animals were kept became clearer.
The RSPCA has condemned the discovery as one of Britain's worst ever cases of animal cruelty.
Its inspectors discovered 31 dead horses, ponies and donkeys when they were called to the site over the weekend.
The stricken horses found with the remains of other animals had been left to die, said shocked rescuers.
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Starving and bedraggled: A horse that survived the farm hell
A team of vets and farriers today began the rehabilitation of the survivors.
Animal welfare workers removed 14 animals immediately and three more were in such a poor condition they had to be put down immediately.
The horses were taken to sanctuaries Redwings and the International League for the Protection of Horses in Norfolk and the Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses in Speen, Berkshire.
The Horse Trust is looking after many of the worst affected. A spokeswoman said the worst affected animals were in a "terrible state".
She said: "They were in a really bad condition and a number had to be put down at the scene. They were apparently standing in their own excrement and standing next to and on top of other dead animals.
"They were fully tethered and unable to move, deprived of food and water."
The British Horse Society's Lee Hackett said: "Mistreatment on this scale is unprecedented in Britain - the true horror of the situation is only now becoming clear."
Thames Valley Police said a man was arrested and bailed to appear at Aylesbury magistrates' court on Monday. James Gray, 44, of Amersham, is charged with criminal damage and assault on police. Police would not confirm his connection with the operation.
The abuse of animals including the bedraggled horse pictured here is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty ever seen in Britain, and there were demands for meat trader Jamie Gray to face a long prison sentence.
Gray, 44, from a travelling family, had previously faced prosecution for failing to provide adequate food and water but was cleared.
The horrific scene at Spindles Farm, in the Buckinghamshire village of Hyde Heath, was discovered after a member of the public reported having seen a dead horse next to a water trough.
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Round-up: Some of the surviving horses are led away to a new life free from hunger
Officers from the RSPCA and the International League for the Protection of Horses arrived at the farm on Friday accompanied by vets, and officers from Thames Valley Police.
One RSPCA man with more than 30 years' experience described it as the worst sight of his life.
Three of the pitiful creatures had to be destroyed on the spot.
It is alleged that Gray assaulted one of the officers as they tried to remove his prized thoroughbred - the only animal of any monetary value.
He was arrested and questioned on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, and bailed until Monday.
"All the animals were grossly emaciated and very, very scared," said Susan Lewis of the Horse Trust in Speen, Buckinghamshire, which has taken on the care of 14 animals.
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The lucky ones: Three of the donkeys with a Horse Trust volunteer
"They were in a disgusting condition, quite unbelievable.
"We have a donkey that does not have the strength to stand up and a blind, deaf mare who is just terrified.
"Thank goodness we have got these animals in our care and you can rest assured we are doing everything humanly possible for them.
"We are giving them good nutrition, lots and lots of tender loving care and the best medical treatment possible.
"I'm glad to say they are responding but we expect it to take a year before they are fully recovered."
Mrs Lewis added: "We would certainly call for whoever is responsible for the condition of these animals to be sent to prison for a long time.
"Everybody is truly shocked."
Following a huge rescue operation, other charities caring for the horses include the Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the Blue Cross.
Villagers were unaware of the sick trade in which Gray was involved.
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Survivors: Two more saved from squalor
He was dealing in unwanted horses, ponies and donkeys at the bottom end of the market bought for £1 a time from farms and private homes.
Whereas some animals for the meat trade can fetch up to £300 a time, he was believed to be selling his stock at £5 each.
Wendy Ward, 32, a housewife who has lived in the village for more than six years, said she had called the RSPCA three times over the past year expressing her concern over the horses at Spindles Farm.
"I could see terrible cuts and gashes on them when I looked at them from the edge of the fields. Heaven knows what their injuries looked like close up.
"I've called the RSPCA three times - and not just about the horses.
"I've found dogs owned by Gray's family in my back garden clearly suffering malnourishment and terrible leg injuries whimpering in my garden."
"He would come to my house to pick them up at two in the morning screaming abuse at the dogs.
"Once I saw his son-in-law whipping a pony while riding on the trap.
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Bony: A skinny, weak horse is tended by a member of the RSPCA
"I screamed that he was going to kill that horse if he whipped him again. All I got was a mouthful of abuse in reply."
Another villager, in her 30s, said she met Gray four years ago when he moved in.
She said she became concerned after she started seeing scores of horses arriving overnight in overcrowded battered blue horse boxes.
"Last summer horses in a field were simply starving to death and you could see all their ribs.
"They were skin and bones, nothing more. I brought them hay because I couldn't bear to watch it."
The woman, who said she had called the RSPCA on a number of occasions, described the animals' condition as "horrific".
"All of them looked like they had not been fed for ages."
Jamie Rutland, 16, said: "We hope that this farm is going to be closed down. It wasn't a huge surprise to find out about this, it is a surprise it took this long."
Kirsty Hampton, the RSPCA inspector in charge of the investigation said it was the worst case she has faced.
"The most noticeable thing was the dead horses. One horse was collapsed.
"I've been an inspector for seven years and this is the worst case I have ever seen."
If charged and found guilty Gray could face a six month prison sentence or a £20,000 fine.
It is not illegal to eat horse meat in the UK but it is not sold in any restaurants or shops.
Demand for horse meat is highest in Italy, which accounts for 84 per cent of horses destined for slaughter.
The remainder are divided mainly between France and Belgium, although small numbers are eaten in Spain, Portugal, Holland and Romania.
Reader views (40)
I work with horses and teaching people how to look after their horses as naturally as possible to give them a good life, but When I saw how this family had abused their animals it made me sick. How people can be so cruel to a defenseless creature is appaling. I dont think they should go to jail or be fined, i think they should be treated how they have treated their animals .. left with no food or water to die or maybe bringing back the death penalty would be better!! I hope they rot and that their punishment is not short lived.
- Alex Hebblethwaite, Burbage, England
Why did the RSPCA not act before this happened if they had been alerted to this man's total neglect by concerned animal lovers in the past?
- Joanne Faraway, Orsett, Essex
The person who did this should be put in a concentration camp and left to rot!
- Ema Salmon, Hastings, England
It is crimes like this that make me wonder if abolishing the death penalty really was the right thing to do. I own two horses myself, and it disgusts me to see people treating these beautiful animals this way.
- Emellia Murray, Stirling, Scotland
When this "human being" is put into prison, and hopefully for a long time, maybe he should be left to starve and have no access to water to see what he's been putting these poor animals through. The whole family should be banned from keeping animals for life, they must have had some hand in the situation.
- Hayley Ruff, Corby, England
It is heartbreaking to see such inexcusable treatment of these poor horses and donkeys. I would like to know why the RSPCA were not keeping a close watch on these horses when they had been reported about by several memebrs of the caring public? If only Mr Gray could be tethered and left without food and water and let him starve to death!
- Lesley Austin, Ipswich, Suffolk
Could the RSPCA comment on what, if any, action they took before the police became involved? I think we are entitled to know as they collect vast amounts of money from the public as an animal welfare society?
- Sarah N., London
I cannot understand why this appalling case was not investigated sooner, despite alleged reports to the RSPCA as stated in this report. The punishment for this sort of crime should be a long prison sentence but sadly this will not happen a mere 6 months appears to be the longest sentence that can be meted out, how very sad. The laws should be changed so that long sentences are handed down by the courts.
- Jane Macfarlane, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland
In my opinion it is time the RSPCA acted each and every time a report such as this comes in. In Jersey the JSPCA does, and surely one visit would be enough for them to take action. These horses should have been rescued a long time ago.
- Shirley Neely, Jersey.UK
How can anybody treat animals in this way and get away with it? But as Maurice Brennock above said, he will no doubt get a slap on the wrist! Not enough is being done to deter others from acting in the same way if they see there is money to be made from it. These people don't care about the animals welfare, they are cold and callous and money is their only objective. I reckon the people he supplied should also be prosecuted. Surely they must visit the premises from time to time to see the conditions the animals are kept in? A very long jail sentence would be far more appropriate than a fine, as the money he would no doubt pay the fine with would have come from these poor horses in the first place. It's disgusting!
- Teresa, Basingstoke
These people need to respect animals and it's time for the punishment to fit the crime and not some slap on the wrist. Why is it someone that could offer a home to these animals could not give them the care,love and respect they need. It makes me sick.
- Anon, Hertfordshire
3 years ago the Government introduced the requirement for every horse and donkey to have a passport - this was principally driven by the trade in horse meat for human consumption in certain EU countries. This involved considerable expense for all horses owners and was accompanied by draconian powers for local authority inspectors and high fines for non compliance. Let us hope that the local authority now requires Mr Gray to produce the passports for each and every one of the horses and donkeys at his farm and that action is taken for every one that is unavailable (in addition to all other actions he faces of course). Will this happen? I doubt it because authorities seem to regard people like this as exempt from the rules and regulations that apply to the rest of the community.
- David, Lewes, East Sussex
Just another example of the hidden cruelty so common in the animal "food production" industries.
- Nat B, Melbourne, Australia
I really don't understand how the RSPCA didn't do anything sooner when it had been reported 3 times over the last year - surely some of these poor horses could have been saved.
- Fiona Folley, North Devon
Truly devastating. These loyal and honest animals continue to serve man in so many ways and this is the thanks they get. Even as a vegetarian I don't object to animals being reared for meat provided they have a good quality of life. These poor beautiful creatures have got the worst of both worlds and their suffereing is difficult to comprehend. Fortunately there are wonderful organisations who will do their best to rehabilitate them and in my expereinece these horses will continue to be loyal and honest to man even after their ordeal. I too will be contributing to Redwings. I hope the people responsible face the most severe punishment that law will allow, and are never allowed to keep animals again.
- Tanya, Cardiff, Wales
I cannot beleive that in this day and age this sort of animal abuse is still being allowed to carry on. Mr Gray had previously faced prosecution for not providing food and water and several phone calls to the RSPCA were made by local people about the condition of the horses. Why oh why wasn't anything done then so that these poor animals didn't have to suffer an agonising death. The animal welfare act should be made tougher and the penalites more severe.
- Sue Bennetts, Helston,Cornwall
I cannot believe these poor animals have been left to get in such a seriously appalling state as this, without anyone spotting it. What sort of country are we living in to let this go by without any of us standing up to these monsters who instigated these crimes. They will probably get away with a slap on the wrist. Is our government scared of these monsters or what? I would certainly like to get my hands on them. I think it's about time the British people stood up and acted accordingly now!
- Anne Martin, St Austell Cornwall
I am appalled as most of the country is at this horrific discovery, but even more so by the RSPCA for not responding sooner when there has been numerous reports of animals in distress that were owned by a person who had been previously investigated by the RSPCA.
I think the RSPCA should make a statement regarding this and explain to the general public who support this charity, why they did not follow up the reports of cruelty and neglect. In my opinion the RSPCA were negligent in there duties and are guilty of turning a blind eye when they are aware of cruely
- Denise Gentry, Chesham, Bucks
I know it sounds a bit extreme but perhaps this man should be tied up, with no food, no water and left to wallow about in his own filth for a good, long while. Then he might have an inkling of the appalling way he treated these animals. No doubt he will get some kind of fine, a ban from keeping animals and left to get on with his life. What I would like to know is why it took so long for the authorities to act.
- Sarah Tawn, Weldon, England
Why did it take the RSPCA so long to come out and investigate? They should have gone to the farm when they got the first call from the public and its noticable they haven't yet bothered to even come up with an excuse for this unacceptable delay. I would like to think that the RSPCA look into all complaints immediately but to read they had been called more than twice before and not visited the farm till now is shocking and makes them as responsible as the ill-educated moron James Gray for this disgusting situation. What possible condition could the meat have been from the horses he sold if they were allowed to starve away and drink from water tanks with dead horses lying next to them?
- Kate Lenahan, Wandsworth London
What I would like to know is what kept the RSWPCA so long from doing something if the lady reported it three times and clearly there was abuse going on and they did nothing - or so it appears!
- Ann Stuart, London
Absolutely disgusting! This man and his family should be left to starve I hope for once that he doesn't have a "soft" British judge and gets a jail sentence.
- Carol Hulton, Porthcawl, South Wales
It would seem from the report that the RSPCA had been contacted on several occasions by neighbours. Why was no action taken earlier? I don't understand how anyone could fail to see the neglect in these animals months ago. They didn't become as emaciated as that overnight. The punishment for such cruelty should be PER animal maybe 6 months prison per animal would be more like a suitable sentence. May they rot in hell.
- Jean Preston, Beeston, Nottingham
This is an outrage! I agree with Maurice Brennock completely - the punishment should reflect the pain and suffering those animals have been through, not just a simple slap on the wrist!
- Kelly, Surrey
These horses were kept in cruel and harsh conditions and this is not acceptable, even if they were intended for the knackers yard.
I cannot see why people are up in arms about eating horsemeat. It is commonly available in France and tastes quite good. It is not morally different to eat horse than any other meat.
- Tom, Watford UK
This man wants locking up, he doesn’t deserve to keep any animal, he wants banning for life and anybody who knows of him should not sell any type of animal to him, its pure cruelty!
- D Godfrey, Leicester
Sadly we have the same problem getting our anti-animal cruelty laws enforced here. Cruel Idiots will always try and have animals and be horrible to them. It's up to us to make sure we stop them and punish them to the point that they won't do it again. More money needs to be invested by governments to keep anti-cruelty laws enforced and much much more severe penalties need to be dished out to violators. We all just have to keep calling attention to things like this and demand that animals are treated humanely no matter what.
- Tracy Cann, Texas, USA
I felt deeply distressed to watch the news and hear of the terrible conditions these horses, ponies and donkeys have gone through. I am seething with anger that I could drive over there and batter the
so-called individual who left these animals to starve to death and to think he has a wife and kids, how could she turn a blind eye, what kind of people are they. He should be put in prison for at least 5 years and should lose his farm. Also don’t forget some of these horses probably were privately owned and when the owner got tired of their horses they just sold them on to these cretin, with no thought to the horse's welfare. Many people should be very ashamed, including racing owners. They all make me sick.... But thank god for the RSPCA and Redwing who will be getting donations from me to say thank you....
- Chris Nightingale, Watford, Herts
The RSPCA were called 3 times in the last year? Why didn't they act sooner to help these poor animals? The RSPCA need to get tough on people that treat animals in this way.
- Sarah, Middlesex
Why did the RSPCA not act sooner upon the tip-offs?
- Max, London
Who would sell a horse/pony for 1 Pound? Surely people who do this are fully aware that those animals are not going to go to a "nice home" and will be properly looked after. Shame on them too!
- Katrina, Berlin, Germany
Why was nothing done before now? Disgusting! He'll probably get a slap on the wrist.
- Charlie, London
Why is it that whenever the word traveller is used someone or something is suffering because of their activities. Wouldn’t England be a better place without "travellers" or should I say "troublemakers".
- Fly, London
I am appalled by the RSPCA for taking so long to follow this case up. I know they are not to blame for this but something should have been done months ago by the sounds of things. This man should not have been released on bail in my opinion and a sentence of only 6 months or £20,000.00 fine is an insult
- J Cuthbert, York
I'm sitting here absolutely choked up by this and can't begin to put into words my feelings for these poor animals. I'd like to echo what Suzanne has asked, please can everyone reading this make a donation to Redwings - on their website this morning it said they had 250 donations overnight - please keep this going!
- Sarah, Enfield
Mr. Gray obviously has assets in the farm property which could be seized to provide for the animals he is responsible for. Only monetary punishment would make an impression on someone who committed these acts for financial gain.
- Margaret Marshall, UK
"Gray, 44, from a travelling family, had previously faced prosecution for failing to provide adequate food and water but was cleared."
Firstly, where were the follow up visits to this case, if he was already suspected then why was he not under better supervision?
Secondly, it's almost impossible to prosecute anyone from a travelling family as they have a tendency to do moonlight bunks and most judges are quite frankly scared of them.
- Viande De Cheveaux, Nousrendons, France
Disgraceful. Mr Gray's farm should be seized and the assets sold to pay for the animal's upkeep, with the balance donated to the RSPCA. Sadly, however, I expect our spineless judicial system will let him off with a slap on the wrist.
- Mark, London
Yet another terrible story from a nation of so called "animal lovers". When will people understand that when we take animals from there natural state for whatever reason it is up to us to care for those animals. I feel extremely upset at this report, and just wonder how many more times these types of shameful treatment of horses (or any animal) will get reported. I just wonder what the full story is behind these horses original destiny. As a horse/animal lover I send my thanks to all those involved in this rescue, and I shall be sending my financial support to Redwings ASAP, and would ask ALL other animal lovers and compassionate people to do the same. What a sad sight as we start the new year.
- Suzanne, Rawreth, Essex
Go on then, prosecute the owner. I'll wager the punishment will be a life ban on keeping animals and an insignificant fine. The animal welfare act is, like the rest of British law, an utter joke.
- Maurice Brennock, Croydon, Surrey
