Jane Hope, 59, and Peter Hope, 65, of the Orchard, Powick, pleaded guilty to seven offences including causing unnecessary suffering to two filly equines known as Foxy and Rain on Friday (January 10).
RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith was on duty when concerns about the welfare of horses in Martley were reported to her.
When she arrived at the field, she found a fenced off area with no available grazing land.
She said: “The ground was just mud or dried soil.
“There was an automatic water trough and along the gate side of the field was the remnants of what appeared to be straw, what was left was soiled.”
UNDERWEIGHT: Rain was found in a bad shape in a field in Martley (Image: RSPCA)
Inspector Smith described Foxy and Rain as appearing very underweight and gaps between the hind legs of the two horses showed where they lacked muscle and fat.
The court was told that the pair had not been intentionally cruel, but a debilitating illness Mrs Hope as dealing with meant it was incompetent care.
MALNOURISHED: Foxy’s spine was clearly visible under her skin (Image: RSPCA)
Mr and Mrs Hope were given a 12 weeks custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months for the first offence, and four weeks custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, for each of the other six offences.
They were also both ordered to pay £350, a victim surcharge of £154 and disqualified from keeping equines for 10 years.
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After Mr and Mrs Hope were sentenced, inspector Smith said: “It is awful when horses are caused to suffer at all, but it is even more frustrating when advice was given to the owners previously to improve matters.
“Sadly this was not acted upon, resulting in unnecessary suffering being caused to Foxy and Rain.”
IMPROVED: Foxy is doing better in her new home (Image: RSPCA)
Since being taken out of the care of Mr and Mrs Hope, Foxy has thrived in her new home.
Sadly, Rain developed significant lameness while recovering her weight and the decision was made to put her to sleep after it became apparent that carers were unable to keep her sound enough to have a quality of life in a paddock.
Inspector Smith added: “I implore owner to be realistic about the care they can provide, both physically and financially for any animal in their care.
“If they are unable to meet their needs, they need to take action, rather than leaving them to suffer.”