Woman who starved horse so badly it had to be put down banned from keeping animals indefinitely

A woman has been banned from keeping animals indefinitely after starving two horses so badly that one of them had to be put down.

Donna Breen, 40, failed to provide a suitable and nutritional diet for her horses, Farrah and Destiny, and didn’t seek veterinary advice.

The animals were found in poor condition at Breen’s home in Methven, Perth and Kinross, and Destiny was put to sleep after suffering from malnutrition.

Farrah was found to be “majorly underweight” by Scottish SPCA inspectors, who were also able to feel her ribs, and noticed her spine and hips protruding.

Her treatment left her suffering from a poor coat with a “lot of dandruff” and a mild fungal infection on the back of her legs.

Breen was sentenced to an 18-month supervision order and indefinite ban on owning or keeping animals.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Katherine Aitchison, said: “We received a complaint to our helpline in December 2019 that a horse at Breen’s property had recently died due to malnutrition and there was a remaining horse in poor body condition.

“We attended the property with assistance from a local vets and Police Scotland.

“It was discovered that due to her poor condition, Destiny had sadly been put to sleep at the vets a few days prior to our visit.

“Farrah was majorly underweight. We could feel all of her ribs, and her spine and hips were protruding.

“Veterinary examination revealed her to be classed as emaciated, as well as having a poor coat quality with a lot of dandruff. The skin on her lower back legs had some evidence of a mild fungal infection.

“Blood tests were taken and it was determined there was no medical cause for her weight loss, and it could easily have been prevented by an adequate diet.

“We are pleased that Breen has received an indefinite ban on owning or keeping animals.

“Breen was responsible for the welfare of Destiny and Farrah and sadly their basic needs were not met.

“We are glad that Farrah was able to receive the treatment she needed and is now thriving in her forever home.

“If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”