Court Hears Shocking Details of Mistreatment of Shetland Ponies Resulting in 10-Year Ban
In a distressing case reported by Wales Online, a man has been handed a 10-year ban from keeping equines after a dead pony was discovered in a poor condition on a piece of land in Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire. The RSPCA was alerted to the situation where two ponies were reportedly in need of assistance. Upon investigation, one pony was found dead with hair loss and a chain around its neck, while another pony was found in a thin body condition with various issues. The graphic details of the case may be upsetting to some readers, as an inspector from the RSPCA, Keith Hogben, described the distressing scene where the ponies were found.
The incident occurred on June 18 last year when the RSPCA received a report about the welfare of two ponies on a property in Llansteffan. Upon arriving at the location, Inspector Hogben discovered a dead grey Shetland pony with visible signs of neglect, including hair loss and a chain attached to its neck. Additionally, a skewbald Shetland pony was found tethered to a tree, also in poor body condition with skin issues. The RSPCA highlighted that a concerned member of the public had placed a bucket of water nearby for the ponies, indicating that the animals were not receiving proper care from their owner.
Stephen Edward Griffiths, the 62-year-old owner of the ponies, admitted to leaving the dead pony there for days due to a broken-down tractor preventing him from moving the body. Griffiths claimed to have rescued one of the ponies from another area and had only been in possession of them for a short period. The surviving pony was assessed by an equine vet who determined that it was in a very poor body condition, with limited access to forage and a heavy lice infestation. Both ponies were found to have severe body condition issues, with the dead pony given a body condition score of 0.5 out of five.
Griffiths appeared in court and pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act, admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to one of the ponies and failing to meet the needs of both animals. As a result, he was given a 10-year ban on keeping equines and received a suspended prison sentence, along with a community order and a requirement to complete a Rehabilitation Activity Program. The court also ordered Griffiths to pay costs of £250. Despite expressing remorse for his actions, the severity of the case led to significant consequences for Griffiths.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper animal care and the consequences of neglecting the welfare of animals. The RSPCA’s intervention in this situation highlights the crucial role of animal welfare organizations in safeguarding the rights and well-being of animals. The court’s decision to impose a lengthy ban on Griffiths from keeping equines sends a strong message about the seriousness of such offences and aims to prevent further mistreatment of animals in the future. It is a step towards ensuring the protection of vulnerable animals and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
The story of the mistreated Shetland ponies in Carmarthenshire is a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy in animal welfare cases. By raising awareness and taking decisive action in instances of animal cruelty, society can work towards creating a safer and more compassionate environment for all living creatures. The RSPCA’s diligence in investigating and prosecuting cases of animal neglect plays a crucial role in upholding ethical standards and promoting responsible care for animals across the UK.