Norfolk Man Sentenced for Horse Cruelty

At Norwich Magistrates Court today, Monday 16 September, Frederick Arthur Agombar of Little Witchingham, near Norwich, was sentenced to 28 days in prison
for causing unnecessary suffering to a 14.3 hh black cob gelding in his possession. He was also given a 5 year ban on keeping non domestic animals and a confiscation
order was placed on the horse, cart, and harness.

Following a complaint received through the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) Welfare line from a concerned member of the public a joint
ILPH/RSPCA operation was launched to monitor Agombar taking people on tours around Norwich City centre in his horse and cart.

Agombar's horse, Arthur, had large open sores on his back due to badly fitting harness and a poorly designed cart. The horse was barefoot except for Australian boots on all four feet that were wholly unsuitable for the purpose for which they were being used.

The Department for Transport (DFT) has a very comprehensive Code of Practice for Horse Drawn Vehicles used to carry fare paying passengers which covers:

* driver competence;
* vehicle safety;
* and animal welfare

Comments ILPH Field Officer Jacko Jackson, "Unfortunately although the DFT Code of Practice is excellent it is only a guide and not enforceable and people with no
related horse experience such as Agombar, can set up in business unregulated.

"The ILPH would like to see enforceable regulations along the lines of the DFT Code of Practice to ensure good practice and the welfare of the horses.

"Mr Agombar must now accept that he did cause the horse suffering, which is reflected in his sentence."

www.ilph.org

.