ILPH STATEMENT Following the plea hearing of James Gray

Following the plea hearing of James Gray and family at Oxford Magistrates Court on Friday 4th April, here follows a statement from the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) on the decision made to return and sell a number of his ponies.

"The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is appalled at the decision made at Oxford Magistrates Court to return a number of James Gray's ponies to him and to sell a number via public auction, including the 11 we have in ILPH care.

"Having to return the horses is the worst possible situation for our yard staff who have spent the last three months looking after them and giving them the care and treatment they deserve.

"This was a very well publicised case that attracted widespread public anger and it beggars belief that any animal could be returned to such a situation. We will be working closely with the RSPCA to do everything possible to get this decision reversed."