This case highlights the need for ALL cases of animal cruelty to be dealt with under the CPS and prosecutions undertaken by the Police, with if neccessary the RSPCA used as winesses.
The Travelling community are above the UK`s laws and this is due solely to out of control PC. Wrong is wrong and time we were all made accountable for our actions.
We have the same problems in Northamptonshire with travellers` ponies and they too link back to Mr Gray and the RSPCA do nothing.

Thomas Rainey, Burton Latimer, Northants England

This is a shocking business with serious repercussions for animal welfare charities in the future. In addition to the 111 rescued there were 32 dead horses piled up, which Mr G explained were caused by a "back-log over Christmas". Mr G should not have any animals returned until after the case has come to court and a verdict reached on whether he is actually guilty of all the cruelty charges. If the healthier animals are returned, they will be on the continent as part of the meat trade by nightfall, and the ones being sold at public market will follow in May. These include mares with foals at foot, and in one case, is a very elderly blind mare. This whole disgraceful business renders our welfare legislation utterly meaningless. Everyone is utterly mystified why Judge Kainth ruled as he did. Go to www.amershamhorses.com. The charities concerned in the rescue all said it was one of the most harrowing cases they had ever dealt with.

E, Winchester, Hampshire

A total travesty and nothing whatsoever to do with justice.

susan beevers, Mindrum, Northumberland

Surely its time legislation was changed to make a distinction between abused living creatures and mere property?

How this judge can think for one moment that these are pets, beggers belief. His ability to hold office should be questioned. I sincerely hope the animal charities who rescued and nursed these creatures back to life are successful in keeping the animals away from this evil trader in blatant animal abuse. Next time you eat salami, spare a thought for what goes into it. If we banned the export of live horses, ponies and donkeys for slaughter to the continent it would go some way to stopping this disgusting, barbaric trade. I hope this "farmer" and his family get what they deserve.

Bev, Harpenden, Herts

How many people have 29 donkeys and horses as 'family pets'? Has Sandeep Kainth seen the conditions in which these 'pets' were kept? If he has then he should be relieved of his duties.What a ridiculous,wicked ruling.As for Mr Gray,this man should NEVER ,EVER be allowed to keep any pets, EVER.

Jan, London, England

we have the nerve to call ourselfs animal lovers & gray proves it all but what chance do the donkeys/ ponies have with judges that are out of touch with reality

pete collins, redhill surrey, uk

If, as seems, the law regards these animais as mere "property," then surely a distinction between living creatures which have been abused and rescued from death and mere belogings should be introduced? Perhaps this is something the RSPCA and other animal charities should work towards. I sincerely hope the charities are successful in being allowed to rehome the animals they have rescued, quite legally, and are now being ordered to return to a certain and terrible death by being transported to the continent for slaughter for cheap meat. How this judge can think for one moment that these are pets, beggers belief. I for one question his right to hold office. And this disgusting meat trade should be banned immediately. Next time you eat salami, spare a thought for what animals suffered to end up in it.

Bev, Harpenden, Herts

did the judge see the before and after pictures of these poor animals? I think not! Jamie Gray and his family should never be allowed to to keep any animal ever again

susan, orpington, england

A lifetime ban from keeping animals (even as a pet let alone as a business) plus a lengthy prison sentence would be the right outcome, I doubt it'll happen though.
I wonder if he's claiming legal aid?

Dave , Gibraltar,