Cruelty case : Gracie May

On Friday 25 May 2001, James Cretney, Chief Executive of the Friends of Bristol Horses Society, received a phone call from Inspector Ian Burns of the RSPCA requiring assistance regarding a local emergency. When they arrived at the field they discovered a horse - Gracie May - in extremely poor condition. Only 10% of her hair remained, which had chronic lice infestation. "The horse had a general air of decay about it. The horse was emaciated to the point where the ribs, breast bone and pelvic area were extremely prominent. It was the worst example of equine neglect I have seen in the five years I have worked in equine welfare", said James Cretney. The field also contained the partly burned carcasses of four other horses.

Mr Dennis Wall first denied causing unnecessary suffering to Gracie May when he appeared in court in November last year. He changed his plea at Bath Magistrates Court on 3 January admitting the charge, as well as illegally disposing of carcasses. Mr Wall will be sentenced on 24 January 2002.

Gracie May has been looked after at Horseworld, the visitor centre of the Friends of Bristol Horses Society and has made a full recovery. Jerry Watkins, Animal Welfare Manager of Friends of Bristol Horses Society is delighted with the progress Gracie May made and has been able to find a new caring loan owner for her
.

The Friends of Bristol Horses Society is an UK registered charity founded in 1952 providing shelter and sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys in need or distress. It is totally dependent on the generosity of the public to fund its work. Based in Whitchurch near Bristol it provided shelter and care to over 200 equines from across the country.

The Friends of Bristol Horses Society
The Delmar Hall, Keynes Farm
Staunton Lane, Whitchurch
Bristol BS14 0QL