Sarah Moulds raises concerns about social media and RSPCA after being cleared of causing suffering to animal

A woman found not guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a pony has given an emotional statement outside court.

Sarah Moulds, 39, spoke outside Lincoln Crown Court after a jury of 11 men and one woman returned their verdict after five hours’ deliberation.

The RSPCA had brought the prosecution following an incident involving the pony Bruce Almighty, on November 6, 2021. The incident was filmed and posted to social media.

Moulds from Somerby, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, said: “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the judicial system for upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

“Today's not-guilty verdict, handed down by a jury of my peers, is a testament to the importance of due process, and to the fact that there are two sides to every story.

“It is profoundly troubling that, in this digital age, misinformation can spread like wildfire, leading to premature judgments and to jeopardising the lives and careers of innocent individuals.

“A snippet of video was taken out of context, and manipulated to paint a picture of me that is entirely at odds with who I am. I adore my animals and have dedicated my life to teaching and nurturing young minds; it was heart-wrenching to be so wrongly and publicly maligned.

“It is crucial to understand that what we see on the internet, especially on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, is often a fragmented version of the truth.

“The jury's decision today has vindicated me; however the damage from the last 20 months' trial by social media is irreversible.

“The loss of my career, the hand-delivered death threats to me and my children, and the distress caused to my family cannot be undone. My loved ones have had to watch powerlessly as our life has unravelled based on falsehoods.

“I would also like to raise our concerns about the RSPCA’s conduct during this case.

“They are an animal charity, whose concern is animal welfare. They are the only charity in the UK with the powers to prosecute. They have been pressured to be seen to be “doing something” by online bullies and ill-informed high profile individuals, wasting a phenomenal amount of public donations to bring a politically charged case.

“At no point over the last 20 months have they asked to examine Bruce Almighty, my child’s pony, to see the environment in which he was looked after, or to check for injuries sustained. If they had visited Bruce on the day after this incident, or indeed any day in the last year and a half, they would have met a perfectly healthy, well cared for and happy pony – as verified by an independent veterinary practice at our request.

“To those who supported me throughout this ordeal, including my current employers, often in the face of an online hate and taking great personal risk to their own careers and physical safety, I cannot thank you enough. Your unwavering faith and love have been the silver lining in this dark cloud.

“To those who judged me based on an incomplete story, I understand your concerns in relation to animal welfare. However, we sincerely hope that this incident serves as a reminder to us all about the power of social media, the responsibility we carry as users, and the importance of refraining from jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story.

“All my family and I wish for now, is to rebuild our lives, and move forward.

“Thank you for your time and understanding.”