More charges for Edgworth farmer accused of neglecting horses (From Lancashire Telegraph)

More charges for Edgworth farmer accused of neglecting horses

3:59pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter

AN Edgworth man has appeared in court accused of 21 counts of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of horses in his care.

Phil Davies, 65, is being prosecuted by the RSPCA after concerns were raised over the welfare of five horses and two foals.

It is alleged he kept the animals on land at York Lane, Langho and Lumb Carr Road, in Holcombe, near Ramsbottom.

It comes as he also faces 56 cases in relation to animals kept at Edgworth.

Davies has denied those charges and is due to appear for trial at Hyndburn Magistrates Court on October 22.

The same court heard the newer charges relate to the unsuitable environment the animals were being kept in.

The charges state there was a failure to treat grossy overgrown hooves, lice and mite infestations, parasitic infections, failure to provide medical attention for overgrown feet and failing to protect animals in his care from pain, injury or suffering.

Hyndburn magistrates also heard a black and white foal was left to suffer from a severe lice and mite infestation in York Lane, Langho and a bay colt foal was left to suffer from a severe parasite infection for weeks in Lumb Carr Road, Holcome.

All the charges allegedly relate to a two-month period between December 2011 and February, this year.

The farmer, of Quarlton Manor Farm, in Plantation Road, Edgworth has been given unconditional bail.

Davies will now reappear at Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court on September 12.