Horse neglect teen avoids animal ban

ANIMAL welfare chiefs have blasted a decision not to ban a teenager from keeping animals after she admitted neglecting her horse.

The Scottish SPCA spoke out as Hollie Dignon, 18, from Bilton, Midlothian, was admonished at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday after pleading guilty to failing to provide necessary veterinary attention and adequate nutrition for her 14-year-old male thoroughbred Barney, who has since been rehomed.

Inspector Tracy McNaughton said: “This was a severe case of neglect in which Barney had been allowed to become extremely emaciated. When we offered him food, he ate ravenously.

“We had recommended that a ban on keeping animals would be appropriate in this case, which is an option open to the courts under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

“It is very disappointing that no ban has been given.”