Sarah Moulds, a teacher filmed striking her pony, Bruce Almighty, avoids conviction despite public outcry.

Sarah Moulds, a 39-year-old former teacher, has been cleared of animal cruelty after a three-day trial at Lincoln Crown Court. The case stemmed from a viral video filmed in November 2021, showing Moulds kicking and slapping her grey pony, Bruce Almighty, in Gunby, Lincolnshire.

The video was recorded by a hunt saboteur group and spread across social media, prompting widespread outrage. In the aftermath, Moulds lost her job as a primary school teacher and was subjected to a public backlash, including death threats. She and her family were reportedly forced into hiding due to the intensity of the online abuse.

During the trial, Moulds gave an emotional testimony, stating that the incident had “torn her life to pieces.” She explained that the brief moment of poor judgment, lasting just a few seconds, had caused her immense personal suffering. “I certainly will never strike a horse, discipline a horse, in that manner because my life has been torn to pieces as a result of that four-second decision,” Moulds said.

The jury deliberated for over five hours before delivering a not guilty verdict. Moulds was found not guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. Her family and friends, present in court, were visibly emotional when the verdict was announced.

The case sparked intense debate about animal welfare and the consequences of viral content, with some supporting Moulds’ claim that the public response was disproportionate to the incident, while others condemned her actions as inexcusable.

Despite the court ruling in her favor, Moulds’ life remains deeply affected by the controversy, and the incident highlights the challenges and complexities surrounding the treatment of animals and the power of social media in shaping public opinion.