That is pathetic they should be imprisoned for life

Is that the same horse that was hit by the car in the other story? And I thought I was having a bad day!

That is an awful punishment

should be prison

hmm wrote:
That is an awful punishment should be prison

they are all full

Once again another disturbing story eminating from the Romsey area.

Just what is it about the Test Valley area that attracts this wrong sort of people?

Ken wrote:

sylvie wrote: That is pathetic they should be imprisoned for life

Blimey, that's a bit harsh! They're only horses. Looks like Debra and Michelle Green have got horses heads anyway ... punishment enough I would have thought.

Agree - they should have been imprisioned for life for cruelty. This is where the system fails as they can still keep horses if they are kept in a partner's name, it's wrong!!

Ken - you are a very funny gent but but animal cruelty to animals is serious and unfortunately is not taken as serious by too many people which results in such like stories.

That was meant to say cruelty to animals - not animal cruelty to animals!!!!

the watcher wrote:
Once again another disturbing story eminating from the Romsey area. Just what is it about the Test Valley area that attracts this wrong sort of people?

Thankfully the vast majority are decent people, but we have our low-lifes just like you do.
These particular specimens should over 2 months, on a daily basis, be tarred and feathered and put in stocks for 12 hours on prominent public display.

this is not enough for what these two have been found guilty of.they should have had at least a life ban and lost all of the horses.cant be many left at scallows lane.rspca
and ilph please supervise and watch carefully

the watcher wrote:
Once again another disturbing story eminating from the Romsey area. Just what is it about the Test Valley area that attracts this wrong sort of people?

These women don't come from Test Valley. They are from Holbury.

Those poor animals. Look at the picture? How could they walk past, look at it suffering and then just leave it? Sick, heartless monsters!

these two ugly scumbags need locking up!!!

All i can add is the same as most of the above comments that they should of got a prison sentence and a life ban on keeping animals. My only wish now is that they get paid back severly and suffer just like those poor horses. There's nothing much worst than animal cruelty and certainly no need for it.

It's disgusting what has happened to these animals. I suggest we leave these two women in a muddy field for days on end and see how they fare. What is also apparent is that half of you who have made comments are incapable of spelling or using proper grammar! Perhaps you come from somewhere far worse than the Test Valley where schools don't exist!

"They're only horses" quote from Ken
What sort of comment is that?
That justifies the horrendous cruelty to animals - not just here but all over the world, does it??????
It makes me ashamed to be be part of the human race!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anybody that is capable of this sort of cruelty, whether willfully or not should recieve a much harsher punishment than this!!

It's disgusting what has happened to these animals. I suggest we leave these two women in a muddy field for days on end and see how they fare. What is also apparent is that half of you who have made comments are incapable of spelling or using proper grammar! Perhaps you come from somewhere far worse than the Test Valley where schools don't exist!

Oh yeah pikey, i s'pose you lives somewere posh ( and i bet you got an 'orse too ), and i bet youse 'ad a good edukation, unlike sum of us ere - why donts you just keep to the subject eh ? Arfer.

The Doctor wrote:
\\\\\\\"They\\\\\\\'re only horses\\\\\\\" quote from Ken What sort of comment is that? That justifies the horrendous cruelty to animals - not just here but all over the world, does it?????? It makes me ashamed to be be part of the human race!!!!!!!!!!!! Anybody that is capable of this sort of cruelty, whether willfully or not should recieve a much harsher punishment than this!!

Doc. How does my comment 'They're only horses' justify horrendous cruelty to animals? The very nice Sylvie said those women should be locked up for life. My point was that it was horses that were being mistreated, not kids or women. Rapists and Paedos should be locked up for life, many others get away with murder. Let's get this crime into some kind of perspective. Doc you've overeacted, calm down.

"This was not a deliberate act of cruelty but a miscalculation over a relatively short period of time. The bacterial infection was completely unexpected and struck with terrifying ferocity. The Greens called in the vet straight away and, as far as they could, acted on his advice."

Magistrate Margaret Hill told the defendants: "Alfie and Filly's suffering was not caused by any malicious or intentional act but you neglected to take proper care of your animals.

"You ignored warnings from the RSPCA and did not seek appropriate care soon enough.

So, which is it? I presume that the defendants would have had to provide proof in court that they had contacted a vet straight away and I am guessing that it must be quite a challenge to care for so many horses when they all fall sick at once. My feeling is that the RSPCA are getting to be an opportunistic organization who will take any possible chance of a case to court because the majority of magistrates will automatically believe what the RSPCA say, because, after all, they are the "experts".

It must be a really great experience to have your whole herd stricken with a highly infectious, fatal illness, be taken to court and banned from keeping horses and ponies and then be held up as figures of pure evil for public ridicule and hatred.

I see that the stocks were mentioned. Isn't this the modern day equivalent? In these days of general lawlessness, I'd have thought that we had bigger issues to deal with than the aftermath of a devastating infection. I would have been interested to see a photo' of the whole field, just to make it clear that this was not a well used area, such as near a gate or trough. This might not even be relevant, given that the combination of fields, rain and hooves create mud.

"This was not a deliberate act of cruelty but a miscalculation over a relatively short period of time. The bacterial infection was completely unexpected and struck with terrifying ferocity. The Greens called in the vet straight away and, as far as they could, acted on his advice."

Magistrate Margaret Hill told the defendants: "Alfie and Filly's suffering was not caused by any malicious or intentional act but you neglected to take proper care of your animals.

"You ignored warnings from the RSPCA and did not seek appropriate care soon enough.

So, which is it? I presume that the defendants would have had to provide proof in court that they had contacted a vet straight away and I am guessing that it must be quite a challenge to care for so many horses when they all fall sick at once. My feeling is that the RSPCA are getting to be an opportunistic organization who will take any possible chance of a case to court because the majority of magistrates will automatically believe what the RSPCA say, because, after all, they are the "experts".

It must be a really great experience to have your whole herd stricken with a highly infectious, fatal illness, be taken to court and banned from keeping horses and ponies and then be held up as figures of pure evil for public ridicule and hatred.

I see that the stocks were mentioned. Isn't this the modern day equivalent? In these days of general lawlessness, I'd have thought that we had bigger issues to deal with than the aftermath of a devastating infection. I would have been interested to see a photo' of the whole field, just to make it clear that this was not a well used area, such as near a gate or trough. This might not even be relevant, given that the combination of fields, rain and hooves create mud.

quote

Watch the video Otis. Read the article properly. And think more carefully before you post comments.

Eric wrote:
\"This was not a deliberate act of cruelty but a miscalculation over a relatively short period of time. The bacterial infection was completely unexpected and struck with terrifying ferocity. The Greens called in the vet straight away and, as far as they could, acted on his advice.\" Magistrate Margaret Hill told the defendants: \"Alfie and Filly\'s suffering was not caused by any malicious or intentional act but you neglected to take proper care of your animals. \"You ignored warnings from the RSPCA and did not seek appropriate care soon enough. So, which is it? I presume that the defendants would have had to provide proof in court that they had contacted a vet straight away and I am guessing that it must be quite a challenge to care for so many horses when they all fall sick at once. My feeling is that the RSPCA are getting to be an opportunistic organization who will take any possible chance of a case to court because the majority of magistrates will automatically believe what the RSPCA say, because, after all, they are the \"experts\". It must be a really great experience to have your whole herd stricken with a highly infectious, fatal illness, be taken to court and banned from keeping horses and ponies and then be held up as figures of pure evil for public ridicule and hatred. I see that the stocks were mentioned. Isn\'t this the modern day equivalent? In these days of general lawlessness, I\'d have thought that we had bigger issues to deal with than the aftermath of a devastating infection. I would have been interested to see a photo\' of the whole field, just to make it clear that this was not a well used area, such as near a gate or trough. This might not even be relevant, given that the combination of fields, rain and hooves create mud.

quote

Watch the video Otis. Read the article properly. And think more carefully before you post comments.

I said I would be interested to see the field, the video link was not working, I have found another and have now seen the field, I have seen that it is very muddy.

I did read the article properly, not sharing your viewpoint does not make me illiterate. I believe I am entitled to post here whether I agree with you or not, Eric and my lack of agreement with you is not an indicator of how carefully I may be thinking. I noticed, during my improper reading that on the one hand, it seemed to have been accepted that:
"The bacterial infection was completely unexpected and struck with terrifying ferocity. The Greens called in the vet straight away and, as far as they could, acted on his advice."
and on the other hand, that they did not seek appropriate care soon enough and was wondering how they could both be true. I feel that it must be quite an undertaking caring for 40 horses when they are healthy, when they are all so ill, it would be very hard work and perhaps these women did the best they could under difficult circumstances, if that is the case, we can all only do our best and we can all make mistakes.

I noticed, while watching the video, which was distressing, that the complaint was to the council that there were horses being buried here, not that the informant was alleging cruelty or neglect. The video, and the article may not be giving the complete picture. With that in mind, I will not be rushing to set light to any torches or pick up my pitchfork and start shouting "To the castle".

There are several posts on here where it is obvious that no thought whatsoever has gone into the content, and yet you choose mine, maybe because it does not agree with your opinion.

I am not advocating animal cruelty or neglect, these seem to be very unusual circumstances and it might be the case that they couldn't cope.

So thank you Eric for your instructions. I can see that a lot of thought went into your post.

Otis
The Court had all the facts, the Echo reported
some of them, the Court banned them from owning horses for 10 years and gave them 300 hours of unpaid work. Only one conclusion can be drawn from the facts. Nobody needs to pick up or put down a pitchfork in this country, the Courts sentence will tell you all you need to know.
Eric

Eric wrote:
Otis The Court had all the facts, the Echo reported some of them, the Court banned them from owning horses for 10 years and gave them 300 hours of unpaid work. Only one conclusion can be drawn from the facts. Nobody needs to pick up or put down a pitchfork in this country, the Courts sentence will tell you all you need to know. Eric

OOOH! the courts, they told ME all I needed to know about Stefan Kizco.

Clayton
I've heard of a Stefan Kiszko, I'm not sure who your "Stefan Kizco" is. Stefan Kiszko was cleared on appeal. The defendants in this case can appeal too. Eric

Eric wrote:
Clayton I've heard of a Stefan Kiszko, I'm not sure who your "Stefan Kizco" is. Stefan Kiszko was cleared on appeal. The defendants in this case can appeal too. Eric

Ah, go on, you do know who I meant, I can tell. Stefan KISZKO was released after 16 years because the original court believed fabricated evidence. Courts do not always get it right is the point I was making. Are you a teacher? You do come accross as a bit of a Peter Pedant.

Otis wrote:

Eric wrote: \"This was not a deliberate act of cruelty but a miscalculation over a relatively short period of time. The bacterial infection was completely unexpected and struck with terrifying ferocity. The Greens called in the vet straight away and, as far as they could, acted on his advice.\" Magistrate Margaret Hill told the defendants: \"Alfie and Filly\'s suffering was not caused by any malicious or intentional act but you neglected to take proper care of your animals. \"You ignored warnings from the RSPCA and did not seek appropriate care soon enough. So, which is it? I presume that the defendants would have had to provide proof in court that they had contacted a vet straight away and I am guessing that it must be quite a challenge to care for so many horses when they all fall sick at once. My feeling is that the RSPCA are getting to be an opportunistic organization who will take any possible chance of a case to court because the majority of magistrates will automatically believe what the RSPCA say, because, after all, they are the \"experts\". It must be a really great experience to have your whole herd stricken with a highly infectious, fatal illness, be taken to court and banned from keeping horses and ponies and then be held up as figures of pure evil for public ridicule and hatred. I see that the stocks were mentioned. Isn\'t this the modern day equivalent? In these days of general lawlessness, I\'d have thought that we had bigger issues to deal with than the aftermath of a devastating infection. I would have been interested to see a photo\' of the whole field, just to make it clear that this was not a well used area, such as near a gate or trough. This might not even be relevant, given that the combination of fields, rain and hooves create mud.

quote

Watch the video Otis. Read the article properly. And think more carefully before you post comments.

I said I would be interested to see the field, the video link was not working, I have found another and have now seen the field, I have seen that it is very muddy. I did read the article properly, not sharing your viewpoint does not make me illiterate. I believe I am entitled to post here whether I agree with you or not, Eric and my lack of agreement with you is not an indicator of how carefully I may be thinking. I noticed, during my improper reading that on the one hand, it seemed to have been accepted that: "The bacterial infection was completely unexpected and struck with terrifying ferocity. The Greens called in the vet straight away and, as far as they could, acted on his advice." and on the other hand, that they did not seek appropriate care soon enough and was wondering how they could both be true. I feel that it must be quite an undertaking caring for 40 horses when they are healthy, when they are all so ill, it would be very hard work and perhaps these women did the best they could under difficult circumstances, if that is the case, we can all only do our best and we can all make mistakes. I noticed, while watching the video, which was distressing, that the complaint was to the council that there were horses being buried here, not that the informant was alleging cruelty or neglect. The video, and the article may not be giving the complete picture. With that in mind, I will not be rushing to set light to any torches or pick up my pitchfork and start shouting "To the castle". There are several posts on here where it is obvious that no thought whatsoever has gone into the content, and yet you choose mine, maybe because it does not agree with your opinion. I am not advocating animal cruelty or neglect, these seem to be very unusual circumstances and it might be the case that they couldn't cope. So thank you Eric for your instructions. I can see that a lot of thought went into your post.

Otis, you are one of the only people on here who points out that due to the speed with which the bacterial infection hit and the large number of animals to look after that these people were overwhelemd with the level of care. when your up against an animal rights organisation like the RSPCA everyone seems to think that the case is bang to rights, recently the RSPCA lost two trials due to witness coaching and failing to divulge evidence to the defence solicitors of people they have brought charges against. They need to realise that they do indeed do a great job, but they need to stick to the law themselves or their integrity is under scrutiny. Not sure that calling for people to be tarred and feathered is a sign of a civilised society or even life imprisonment was called for?

clayton wrote:

Eric wrote: Clayton I\'ve heard of a Stefan Kiszko, I\'m not sure who your \"Stefan Kizco\" is. Stefan Kiszko was cleared on appeal. The defendants in this case can appeal too. Eric

Ah, go on, you do know who I meant, I can tell. Stefan KISZKO was released after 16 years because the original court believed fabricated evidence. Courts do not always get it right is the point I was making. Are you a teacher? You do come accross as a bit of a Peter Pedant.

When you descend to name calling it underlines the vacuity of your argument.

Just a correction to some.
The 'Holbury' Women were awarded 300 hours of Community Work-each, £5,000fine against court costs & a ten year ban.
Sadly-a prison sentence was avoided!
They should have been banned foir life from keeping horses/ponies!

I think it's obvious that however quickly this virus struck, the animals in the video did not get into this state overnight. The two laying down were underweight and had stareing coats that go beyond the winter 'woollies' that native ponies grow.
Keeping ponies on a shoestring in inadequate acreage has the potential to end up like this if when they need the TLC of a stable, bedding, medication, and correct food and water the owners can't go beyond their already tight budget.
This unneccessary suffering was caused by ignorance.

The RSPCA is the only prosecuting agency I know with a conviction for perverting the course of justice! See Attorney General v RSPCA - transcript here, so enjoy:
http://cheetah.webtr
ibe.net/~animadversi
on/The%20Attorney%20
General%20v%20The%20
Rspca.htm

David Tyne wrote:
The RSPCA is the only prosecuting agency I know with a conviction for perverting the course of justice! See Attorney General v RSPCA - transcript here, so enjoy: http://cheetah.webtr ibe.net/~animadversi on/The%20Attorney%20 General%20v%20The%20 Rspca.htm

Which was in 1984, 24 years ago. In the last century actually. I suggest you live in the present !

I wish the RSPCA had a lot more powers.
Having experienced a neighbour with a grudge-especially when wasting their time, etc
M

Sometimes a leopard does not change its spots ... see the judgements of various judges recently in several cases. Read Private Eye - which is the only decent newspaper left in Britain. Apparently RSPCA week has been a disaster and there's going change to be a change in the RSPCA's anti-farming and anti-countryside policy in the offing. Perhaps their new chief exec is less of a weak nut than Jackie Ballard.