A FORMER Melton teacher, who’s accused of punching and kicking a horse will stand trial later this year.
Sarah Moulds, 37, appeared before Lincoln Crown Court yesterday (February 28), accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a grey pony called Bruce Almighty.
She is alleged to have punched and kicked the pony multiple times, when it ran into the road, whilst taking part in Lincolnshire’s Cottesmore Hunt last November, one of Britain’s oldest foxhound packs.
Footage of the incident went viral, after it was filmed and posted online by the Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs.
“The bad publicity against the Cottesmore hunt just keeps on growing! Northants and Hertfordshire hunt Sabs will keep the pressure on the Cottesmore hunt until we completely shut them down,” they said at the time.
Following huge public outcry, Ms Moulds was suspended from her role as a primary school teacher for the Mowbray Education Trust.
The incident was subsequently investigated by the RSPCA, who have bought it before the courts.
The full wording of the charge says Ms Moulds caused unnecessary suffering to the pony by kicking and hitting it in the vicinity of The Drift, Gunby, Lincolnshire, on 6 November 2021.
During yesterday’s short hearing, Ms Moulds pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was granted unconditional bail.
Her trial is set to begin on Monday, October 17.
