Successful Joint ILPH/Police Prosecution

William Chandler 47, of Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, was convicted today at Staines Magistrates Court for causing unnecessary suffering to a chestnut stallion in his possession.

Chandler was disqualified from keeping horses for 3 years and ordered to pay £329 costs. A court order was made for the surrender of the stallion and his gifting to the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses). At Court today Ted Barnes, ILPH Field Officer for South London, Kent and Surrey, commented, "I am delighted at the conviction, it is a warning to horse owners everywhere of what can happen if they allow there horses to get into such a poor state. Sunbury, as we have named him, has doubled his body weight since coming to the ILPH."

Sunbury’s plight came to light following a complaint from a concerned member of the public in July last year when the ILPH inspected a neglected horse in a field nr. Sunbury, Surrey.

What they found was an extremely thin 15 hh chestnut stallion with a flaxen mane and tail, believed to be in this mid-twenties. With the assistance of a vet and the local police the ILPH removed him to Cherry Tree Farm, their Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre near Lingfield, Surrey.

Ted Barnes added "Sunbury settled in well and quickly became everybody’s favourite. For an animal that has suffered so much at the hand of man he is incredibly trusting, it is unbelievable. He really is a star, a wonderful ‘person’ to have around and a perfect gentleman to ride."

Quotation from DC James re "Sunbury"

DC Mary James of Staines CID, who presented police evidence against the defendant, William Chandler, said after the conviction :

"I and PC Charles Foster who was also involved were happy that we were able to assist the ILPH in this matter, as unlike the RSPCA, the organisation is not able to prosecute without the assistance of the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"The successful prosecution was due to the professional and thorough way the ILPH field officer and the veterinary surgeon dealt with the case.

"Surrey Police take seriously all allegations of cruelty to animals, but do not have the extensive facilities of the ILPH to deal practically with the consequences of seizing horses which are suffering. The nursing and care of the horse at Cherry Tree Farm was first class.

"I have no doubt that this conviction will send a clear message to all animal owners in Surrey. Where there is evidence of neglect or cruelty, police will act."

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