Woman sentenced for neglecting 27 horses and 33 dogs

A woman who neglected 27 horses and 33 dogs has been banned from keeping either species for seven years.

Jean Winn, 75, of Ramley Road, Pennington, admitted two animal welfare offences after an investigation by the RSPCA.

Police executed a warrant at the property in January 2025, accompanied by RSPCA officers, and found animals in poor health and unsuitable conditions.

She was also given a 12-month community order, including a curfew, and ordered to pay £400 costs.

Dogs were found in dirty cages with no food or water, the RSPCA said, while horses at the address and at two further sites in Sway were kept in muddy, poached fields with no evidence of recent feeding.

In mitigation, the court heard Winn had kept and bred animals for 60 years without issue, but had struggled to cope and had been too embarrassed to ask for help, despite trying to seek support.

She also cited difficulties with her property and her own health.

RSPCA Inspector Hannah Nixon, who investigated the case, said meeting the needs of animals in someone's care was an essential part of animal welfare, and that in this case a large number of horses and dogs had not had their needs met for a prolonged period.

PC Sam Chapman, from Hampshire Police, said the force was pleased the RSPCA had secured the conviction, and thanked those who had assisted or shown support during last year's warrants.

All the seized animals have been handed over to the RSPCA for rehoming.