A group of six ponies that were rescued last year have recently been signed over to Bransby Horses following a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
In February 2017, Bransby Horses, along with other equine welfare charities were called to assist the RSPCA in removing a group of more than 20 equines. Their owner was overrun with ponies and had insufficient time and funds to provide correct care so sadly their basic needs were no longer being met.
The owner was already known to the RSPCA and had been given regular advice regarding the welfare of the horses. However the advice wasn’t followed so a formal warning was later issued as the owner had failed to provide veterinary treatment for two Shetland ponies that were in an emaciated state. The ponies also had heavy worm burdens and wounds that required immediate veterinary attention.
On Friday 9th March 2018 the owner appeared in court and was disqualified from owning equines for four years and sentenced to 14 weeks in prison which is suspended for a year, after pleading guilty to six counts of causing unnecessary suffering. The owner was also ordered to pay £150 towards costs and £115 victim charge.
The court heard the defendant had kept horses in five different locations without providing sufficient care and unfortunately three of the horses had to be euthanized as a result.
Bransby Horses has been caring for six of the horses since February 2017 and now the case has been concluded they have been signed over to the charity. The group were named by staff as Turnip, Sugarsnap, Fennel, Samphire, Parnsip and Butternut and are collectively known as the Vegetable Group. Shortly after her arrival, Sugarsnap gave birth to her foal, Beetroot, and mother and foal are now doing well. Thankfully all of the group have progressed well and are in good condition; they will be assessed for their suitability to be rehomed in the near future.
Thank you to our supporters for their donations and continued support as this enabled the charity to care for these horses and improve their quality life.
