A MAN is facing a five-year ban from keeping horses after being convicted of animal cruelty.

Burnley Magistrates heard that David Harrison denied that he failed to meet the needs of adequate care of two horses he was responsible for at Deanhead House, Tricebarn Farm, Bacup Old Road, Bacup.

But he was convicted at a hearing earlier this year.

The offence, which was said to have taken place before February 4, related to a a part bred Welsh Mountain bay mare called “Paisley” and a part bred Welsh Mountain bay called “Kerry”.

Magistrates ordered the horses be passed into the care of the RSPCA, who brought the case against Harrison, 69, of Crown Road in Heywood,

Harrison was banned from owning or keeping horses for the next five years, as well as participating in keeping them and from being party to an arrangement under which he is entitled to control or influence the way in which they are kept.

The ban has been suspended pending the results of an appeal against the sentence.

He was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay costs £500, with a victim surcharge of £60. Harrison must pay the charges a rate of £40 per month.