A pony was found abandoned in a car park without food or water in Plympton last year, while her owner, a 33-year-old Cardiff man named James Price, was at a nearby pub. The pony, named Coco, was discovered with sunburn lesions, ragged hooves with nails protruding, and broken skin where her harness had chafed. Concerned passersby noticed Coco’s distress and offered her water before alerting the authorities.
Devon and Cornwall Police intervened and called in a vet and the RSPCA to assess Coco’s condition further. The vet described Coco as malnourished, with signs of neglect including a thin neck, dull coat, and various skin issues. Coco, who was only two years old at the time, was taken to a boarding stable where she immediately drank 25 litres of water and consumed more throughout the night. She also began eating steadily after being provided with food.
In court, Price admitted to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. As a result, he has been banned from owning horses for seven years, with a 24-month community order and fines amounting to £200 and £250. RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, commended the public for reporting Coco’s situation, stating that Coco’s treatment was inappropriate, lacking basic necessities, and that at two years old, she was too young to be working with a cart.
Coco has since been signed over to the RSPCA’s care and has made a good recovery. She is now looking for a new home. The case highlights the importance of proper care and responsibility in owning animals, emphasising the need for adequate food, water, and overall welfare for all animals.