Couple banned from keeping for animals for a decade after "dreadful mistreatment"

A couple who left a pony and horse to "fade away in paddocks" have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years. Katrina Sullivan, 42, and Jamie Middleton, 36, neglected a pony and horse so badly that they both died and have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after a prosecution by the RSPCA. Sullivan and Middleton both pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and appeared for sentencing at Worthing Magistrates’ Court.

As well as the disqualification, Sullivan was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, which was suspended for two years. Middleton was handed a 14-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. The court heard how an 18-month-old Piebald Cob filly called Sassy and a three-year-old Bay Welsh Arab gelding called Apollo were left in paddocks in a very poor state, with one suffering from a parasitic infection.

Sullivan failed to get vet treatment for them and the health of the equines deteriorated. On October 25 last year RSPCA Inspector Rebecca Carter went to a field off Brooks Lane in Bognor, where she met a field officer from the World Horse Welfare charity. Sassy had been found in a stable and she appeared gravely unwell.

She was emaciated and was suffering from a tail wound which was infested with maggots. Apollo, who was in another stable, had swollen legs and was unable to stand. His spine, ribs and hip bones were all visible.

Sassy, pictured alive, was emaciated and suffering from a tail wound which was infested with maggots (.