An investigation into alleged animal cruelty at Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre has been concluded, resulting in no criminal proceedings for equine neglect.
The equestrian venue was thrown into the media spotlight last year when proprietor Jackie Kemp came under investigation by the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), and the company behind the centre Jakem Ltd went into provisional liquidation.
According to the SSPCA, inspectors visited the centre at Shieldhill days after a social media campaign entitled ‘Let’s stop this horse cruelty’ was set up online in November.
It is understood officers also visited further premises owned by Ms Kemp, at Balmule, Dunfermline, as part of their inquiries.
However, there will be no criminal proceedings as a result of the investigation, an SSPCA spokesperson confirmed this week.
SSPCA chief inspector John Chisholm told The Courier: “We can confirm that our investigation into reports of horse neglect at a premises in Falkirk has now concluded. However, it would be inappropriate for us to discuss further information regarding our findings over the course of our investigation.”
Ms Kemp strenuously denied being cruel towards any animal in her care.
In November 2013, she was cleared by Sheriff Craig McSherry of two previous charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals at a trial at Dunfermline.
The current liquidation and closure of Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre, is “still ongoing”.
A spokesman for Grainger Corporate Rescue, of Bath Street, Glasgow, confirmed the latest court hearing with regards to Jakem Ltd and Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre took place at Falkirk Sheriff Court last week.
He said there should be more clarity in terms of the winding-up of the business and therefore the potential for any future sale of the centre next week.
British Showjumping CEO Iain Graham last month said all competitions at Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre had been cancelled with immediate effect.