A man who subjected a months-old foal to an extended and “shocking” physical attack has actually been prohibited from keeping animals for life – however not imprisoned.
Sean McWhinnie was captured on CCTV beating months-old filly Faith in an experience lasting an hour and a half, punching her in the face and battling with her while she was caught in the steady with him.
The 42-year-old of Jackie Wigg Gardens, Totton, Southampton, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court the other day (11 May), having actually pleaded guilty to maltreating the foal.
Hazel Stephens, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said that on 8 November 2021, RSPCA inspector Tina Ward had actually participated in a farm in East Wellow Romsey, Hampshire, where she was fulfilled by a field officer for World World Horse Welfare who had actually reacted to issues about the well-being of a foal.
“McWhinnie had subjected the six-month-old foal to a prolonged attack in which he punched her in the face when she was trapped with him inside a stable, causing her to spin around, and also started wrestling with the animal,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
Ms Ward included: “The foal was extremely distressed, running backwards and forwards trying to escape.”
Warning, disturbing video material
A veterinarian who took a look at Faith discovered she was extremely distressed around individuals which her body movement revealed worry and distress, concluding that this behaviour might have been brought on by the injury, worry and discomfort the foal experienced.
In mitigation, it was said McWhinnie had psychological health problems which jail would not benefit him. He was provided a five-month jail sentence, which was contributed to sentencing for unassociated offenses to make an overall of 17 months, suspended for 21 months.
Faith was taken in by World Horse Welfare and has actually considering that been recuperating at the charity’s Glenda Spooner Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Somerset. It was field officer Penny Baker who went to the lawn at which Faith was kept.
“We welcome the lifetime ban on keeping all animals, however we are very disappointed that the prison term for this abhorrent offence was suspended because in our opinion this very young foal suffered terribly at the hands of Sean McWhinnie and the deliberate attack that he subjected her to,” Ms Baker said. “I feel, I’m sure in addition to the rest of this country’s animal enthusiasts, that this deserved a jail term with instant impact.
“When I first got to the yard Faith – who was a just-weaned very young foal – was in a real state. She was very distressed, and when I tried to enter her stable, in self-defence she put her ears flat back, turned her bum towards me and tried to kick – that filly was terrified.”
Ms Baker saw the CCTV protection revealing the “sustained attack and beating of the foal in the stable by Mr McWhinnie, whilst the foal’s owner and another woman sat outside in full view of what was going on inside the stable”.
The owner of the foal, Maxine McWhinnie, who saw her sibling throughout the occurrence, had actually signed an endeavor in court on March 13. She concurred, willingly, not to be included with owning or keeping of horses.
Ms Baker said Faith has actually been gradually recuperating.
“Her physical scars quickly healed, but her mental scars may never completely go,” she said. “This kind of experience is likely to leave a mark on her for the rest of her life. We thank all of our supporters and donors whose direct help goes towards supporting horses and ponies like Faith.”
McWhinnie cannot appeal his restriction for ten years. He was likewise bought to perform 200 hours’ unsettled work, and 20 rehab activity requirement days, and pay £156.
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Credit: World Horse Welfare
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