Man Banned After Starving Horses Found in South London Field

A man neglected horses in a field in South East London. He is now banned from having animals for five years. The RSPCA rescued two cobs on March 12, 2024, after concerns were raised about their condition. The field was near St Katherine’s Way, Erith.

The horses were underweight, and one seven-year-old horse was very thin. It had rain scald, a painful infection, and lost an eye to infection. The other horse was three years old.

Alfie Doyle admitted he failed to care for them and pleaded guilty to three offenses, violating the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. A dead foal was found in the same field in poor condition on March 1, 2024.

The younger horse needed eye surgery. Doyle, 34, was sentenced on February 17 in Maidstone. He received a suspended prison sentence of twelve weeks, suspended for twelve months, and must also do unpaid work.

Doyle must pay £400 in court costs and a £154 surcharge. The horses were seized and now belong to the RSPCA.

The horses lacked microchips and grazed with other horses owned by different people. World Horse Welfare cared for them, and now they are healthy again. One horse has found a new home.

RSPCA Inspector Harriet Daliday said after the hearing that the horses “suffered terribly” due to a lack of care in the field. She added that owning an animal is a privilege, and owners must provide veterinary care.