A man from Forncett St Peter, near Long Stratton, has been given a suspended prison sentence and 10-year ban from keeping horses after three underweight horses were rescued.

Eastern Daily Press: Cookie now at a Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Picture: Submitted.Cookie now at a Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Picture: Submitted. (Image: Archant)

Gordon Perkis, 62, of Low Common Road, had previously pleaded guilty to charges under the Animal Welfare Act.

And at Ipswich Magistrates Court yesterday, he was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was made to pay £2,080 in costs.

On January 29 this year three emaciated horses were rescued at a site on Louie's Lane, Diss, by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the RSPCA.

The mares were seized on welfare grounds and taken to a Redwings centre to be treated by vets.

Less than a week after the rescue one of the horses, Fanny, died as a result of a severe worm damage to her digestive system.

Nicola Berryman, Redwings welfare veterinary surgeon, said: 'Very sadly Fanny was in such a state of neglect that we had no choice but to put her to sleep.

'Although she had received some treatment for worms it was not appropriately prescribed or administered. A lack of pasture rotation also contributed to the problem.'

The two other rescued horses, 20-year-old Baby and four-year-old Cookie, are still recovering.

Ms Berryman said: 'Both are displaying signs of liver damage as a result of ragwort poisoning, but our team are doing all they can to keep them happy and healthy for as long as we can. We want all horse owners to be aware of the severe and lasting damage that ragwort toxicity can cause.'

She added: 'I am pleased justice for these three poor mares has been served. Their owner's punishment does not bring Fanny back, but she did not die in vain and I hope other owners take note of the severity of this situation and the importance of their responsibility to their horses'.

For more information about Redwings visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/