A man has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a pony found close to death and in an emaciated state on a farm in Soham.
Scott Daley, 25, of Cornwell Close, Soham, was disqualified from keeping horses for five years at Cambridge Magistrates Court on Tuesday (December 10).
He also received a £1,000 fine and two year conditional discharge after being charged with failing to provide a suitable diet, parasite control and veterinary care for a three-year-old filly called Sapphire.
The RSPCA were called to Barcham Farm, in Soham, in May after concern about the female black pony and found her to be in an emaciated body condition and very weak.
RSPCA inspector Richard Lythgoe said: “This poor pony was pretty close to death when we found her – incredibly thin and in a very bad way. She was lucky to survive and would have suffered a great deal for some time.
“If only Sapphire had been taken to the vets sooner she wouldn’t have got into such a bad state. The veterinary report pointed to malnutrition and lack of veterinary treatment for the reasons behind her being in such a state.”
Sapphire has made a full recovery and is now in the care of World Horse Welfare and ready for re-homing as a companion.
Because of the long-term malnutrition Sapphire now has growth problems with her front legs, which means she will never be strong enough to be ridden.
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