Farm horror 'worst case of cruelty'

ANIMAL-lovers in Britain have been shocked by one of the country's worst ever cases of animal cruelty. RSPCA inspectors found 31 dead horses, ponies and donkeys when they visited Spindles Farm in Buckinghamshire over the weekend, the Daily Mail reported.
The 14 surviving horses, which had been left to die, are now being cared for at various animal sanctuaries. Three more had to be put down immediately.
A spokeswoman from The Horse Trust, which is caring for many of the animals, said the horses were in a “terrible state” when found.
“They were in a really bad condition and a number had to be put down at the scene,” she said.
“They were fully tethered and unable to move, deprived of food and water.”
Lee Hackett from the British Horse Society said: “Mistreatment on this scale is unprecedented in Britain.
The true horror of the situation is only now becoming clear.”
James Gray, 44, has been arrested but police would not confirm his connection to the farm.
Gray was dealing in unwanted horses bought for $2.20 from farms and private homes, the paper reported. It is believed he then sold the animals for $10.20 each.
If charged and found guilty, Gray faces a six month sentence or a $43,000 fine.
It is not illegal to eat horse meat in the UK, but it is not sold in restaurants or shops. Instead, 84 percent is sold to Italy.