Man banned from being near horses
A GYPSY cob dealer who repeatedly left his animals to graze on public land has been banned from being within 50 metres of a horse, unless it is on his own land.
Thomas Tony Price, 52, continually ignored a ban on him leaving horses on land near roads, roundabouts and in other people’s fields, magistrates were told.
Three years ago, Price was banned from any involvement in owning horses for five years and given an eight-month prison sentence.
At the time, he had to pay almost £44,500 in costs for 57 animal welfare offences and seven breaches of an anti-social behaviour order.
But police said he was arrested in August after an investigation found he had repeatedly breached the banning order imposed in 2013, with Price continuing to deal with horses on at least 11 separate occasions.
After his arrest, 70 horses were seized. At Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, Price pleaded guilty to breaching the Animal Disqualification Order and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for two years.
The court also issued an injunction to protect a family in a neighbouring farm who had fallen victim to Price’s actions.
South Wales Police also successfully applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order.
It prohibits Price from remaining on private land in the Vale of Glamorgan and the borough of Bridgend after being refused permission by the landowner or occupier, and driving or being a passen- ger in any vehicle towing or transporting horses, until it expires.
It also bans Price from taking part or assisting in herding or removing horses from public and private land, without reasonable excuse. And it bans him from being within 50 metres of horses being herded or removed to or from land, except Price’s own land, until the order expires.
Inspector Gary Smart said: “This was a complex and lengthy investigation, which involved a number of partner agencies including the Vale of Glamorgan council and the RSPCA.
“Our investigation proved that Thomas Price had persisted in fly grazing in various locations throughout the Vale and Bridgend, without permission of the landowners and despite the order imposed on him.
“Both those dealing with Mr Price, and the numerous horses in his possession needed protection from this man, which is why we were pleased our application for a Criminal Behaviour Order was successful. We will continue to monitor Mr Price’s activity while he is subject to these orders and will take further action should he be found not to be complying with the conditions. We would urge the public to let us know via 101 if they suspect this man is breaching any of the conditions imposed on him.”
Investigating and wildlife crime officer Mark Goulding said: “Evidencing the breaches of this particular legislation was a challenge, and demanded support from our partner agencies and the wider community. We would like to thank everybody involved.”