Criminal Behaviour Order For Man Who Persistently Breached Animal Ban
A well-known Welsh gypsy cob dealer who breached an order banning him from owning horses has again been brought before the courts.
Thomas Tony Price was arrested on August 16th, 2016, as part of Operation Violet Vulcan, after a multi-agency investigation found he had breached an Animal Disqualification Order (ADO) imposed in 2013, which banned him from having any involvement in the ownership or possession of horses for five years.
The order had been imposed alongside an eight-month prison sentence and an order to pay almost £44,500 in costs, for 57 animal welfare offence and seven breaches of an antisocial behaviour.
Following his most recent arrest, a total of 70 horses were seized by Shared Regulatory Services during the operation.
Investigating officers found that, despite the disqualification imposed on him, 52-year-old Price continued to deal with horses on at least 11 separate occasions.
At Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, Price pleaded guilty to breaching the ADO and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for two years. The court also issued an injunction to protect a family in a neighbouring farm who had fallen victim to Price’s action.
On the back of the conviction, South Wales Police were successful in applying to the courts for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
Under the conditions of the order, Price will be prohibited from:
• Remaining on private land in the Vale of Glamorgan and the Borough of Bridgend after having been refused permission by the land owner or occupier.
• Driving or being a passenger in any vehicle towing or transporting horses until expiry of the Disqualification order imposed on July 5th, 2013.
• Participating in or assisting with the herding or removal of horses from public or private land until expiry of the Disqualification order
• Without reasonable excuse, being within 50 metres of horses being herded or removed to or from public or private land save for the defendant’s own land until expiry of the disqualification order
Inspector Gary Smart said: “This was a complex and lengthy investigation, which involved a number of partner agencies including the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the RSPCA.
“Our investigation proved that Thomas Price had persisted in fly grazing in various locations throughout the Vale and Bridgend, without permission of the landowners and despite the ADO imposed him.
“Both those dealing with Mr Price, and the numerous horses in his possession needed protection from this man, which is why we were pleased our application for a Criminal Behaviour Order was successful.
“We will continue to monitor Mr Price’s activity while he is subject to these orders and will take further action should he be found not to be complying with the conditions.
“We would urge the public to let us know via 101 if they suspect this man is breaching any of the conditions imposed on him.”
Mark Goulding, investigating and wildlife crime officer, said: “During the investigation, evidencing the breaches of this particular legislation was a challenge, and demanded support from our partner agencies and the wider community. We would like to thank everybody involved.”
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