Equine owner banned after admitting to the neglect of five ponies and donkeys

A man from Brigg has been disqualified from keeping equines for ten years after pleading guilty to animal welfare offences.

Ian Anthony Bowman (DOB 13/10/1972) of Wressle Road, Brigg, pleaded guilty to the offenses which related to three donkeys and two Shetland ponies that he was responsible for. 

The RSPCA investigated in January and February 2021 along with The Donkey Sanctuary and Bransby Horses, after concerns were reported over the welfare of the five equines.

Mick Flower, Deputy Head of Prosecutions at the RSPCA said: “The welfare officers across the three charities discovered the three donkeys and two ponies were being kept in poor condition and had been provided with inadequate shelter. Some had live lice in their coats and significantly overgrown hooves with no evidence that a farrier had attended for many months. The animals had also not received adequate worm control or sufficient dental care.”

A vet stated in their witness statement that: “Dental care, hoof care and endoparasite control are all part of the preventative healthcare that a responsible owner would provide to their equines. These are not optional extras of horse ownership and are required in order to keep the animals healthy, pain-free and provides good welfare standards. This horse owner has therefore neglected most of the basic preventative health care requirements of these equines and that has ultimately caused suffering in two out of five of them.”

Bowman was given a fine of £1,390, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190 and costs of £750. His disqualification prevents him from keeping horses, mules, donkeys and their hybrids, for 10 years, with no appeal for five years.

The five ponies and donkeys were cared for by equine welfare charity Bransby Horses. After receiving veterinary care, the three donkeys and two Shetland ponies were slowly introduced to the herd at the charity’s centre in Lincoln, and quickly settled, learning to trust the team of grooms. Their hard work has paid off and all five equines have recovered well following their rescue. The two Shetlands required a special dietary programme in order to lose weight – both are described as ‘sweet but cheeky’ and two of the donkeys were particularly wary on arrival and took months of persuasion in order for our teams to convince them they could now relax.

Rachel Jenkinson, Welfare Manager at Bransby Horses, said: “After they were found to be living in unsuitable conditions – knee-deep in mud and riddled with lice – and without their basic needs being met, we were keen to remove these equines as soon as possible. The complex needs of donkeys and ponies are completely different and were not being met in this mixed group environment. They are now receiving the individual care they require and are flourishing after months of hard work by our teams.”

Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “Sadly, we regularly see donkeys living in poor welfare situations. Many owners underestimate the level of care required to ensure their donkeys live healthy and enriched lives. An important part of our role is to engage with donkey owners to help improve welfare for donkeys in our communities.

“We were initially called to the location by Bransby Horses to help assess the condition of the donkeys. It was immediately obvious that changes were needed to improve the situation.

“The field had become so poached with thick mud it was difficult for the equines to walk though, particularly around the water and shelter. Their hooves were overgrown and one of the donkeys was walking abnormally.

“The donkeys had lice and were seen repeatedly scratching and biting themselves as they attempted to relieve the itching. We spoke with the owner, explained our concerns and gave detailed advice on the actions needed – including seeking veterinary advice and farrier care.

“When the situation remained unchanged, further intervention by the RSPCA was necessary to safeguard their welfare and prevent further suffering. We are grateful to Bransby Horses for providing all five equines with a secure future.”