WARNING: Distressing image released as woman jailed for horse neglect

Preston magistrates banned Elaine Tregurtha, 35, of Pear Tree Road, Croston, from keeping animals for life.

The horses were found in a terrible condition at stables on Rawlinson Lane, Heath Charnock, Chorley last July.

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Paul Ridehalgh said: “ She was advised the Society needed to look at all the horses and that a vet was on route to examine them.

“The vet confirmed that in her opinion all the horses were suffering and needed to be removed.”

Harry, a three-year-old cob, had to be put to sleep after collapsing from emaciation and a significant worm infection and was still dead on the floor when inspectors arrived.

Gem, a 35-year-old bay mare was emaciated, had overgrown hooves, a swelling in her leg, overgrown teeth, and a severe worm infection and later had to be put to sleep.

Welsh grey mare Lulu, 15, who was on loan to the Tregurtha, was found to be very overweight and had overgrown hooves and a parasite infestation.

Emaciated mare Tia, 27, who had also been on loan, died at Penny Farm stables two days after being seized by the RSPCA and was found to have Cushing’s disease which could have been treated with medicine but she was not registered with a vet.

Black Welsh stallion Sammie, six, had not been fed properly for months.

The court heard when inspectors attended her then home in Chorley, to interview her they found six dogs, four cats two rabbits and a guinea pig.

Tregurtha, who admitted five neglect charges, claimed she had struggled after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.