Russell Bennett
Causing unnecessary suffering to six horses *
Sentence
18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, 300 hours unpaid work, 20-year ban on owning equines
Russell Bennett caused unnecessary suffering to six horses he kept at his farm in Ripley near Woking between February and April 2024. The horses suffered from lice, parasites, weight loss, respiratory conditions, and poor body condition due to inadequate nutrition and lack of treatment for ailments. A heavily pregnant bay mare produced insufficient milk for her foal, who had concerning lung sounds and a cough. A dun mare was in very poor condition with visible hips, ribs, and spine, and later deteriorated from colic and was put to sleep. A bay filly and chestnut colt had nasal discharge and lice. The RSPCA, with Surrey Police, removed all six horses after certifying them as suffering or likely to suffer. The pregnant mare gave birth in RSPCA care, and the five surviving horses plus the foal are now doing well.
Pleaded guilty to a single count of causing unnecessary suffering to six horses. District judge accused him of showing little remorse. Of previous good character, carer for wife and adult daughter, receives benefits.