Ban for Suffolk woman who failed to look after pony
The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is pleased that a Suffolk woman who allowed her pony's hooves to grow so painfully long that it had trouble walking has pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.
Mrs Marilyn Read, 68, of Home Farm, Mitford Road, Benhall in Suffolk, appeared before Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday 8th October for sentencing, where she was banned from keeping equines for two years and given a 12 week prison sentence suspended for one year.
On 12th April 2007, ILPH Field Officer Michael Smith visited Mrs Reads rented field in Iken, near Woodbridge, Suffolk following a telephone call from a concerned member of the public. He found a distressed 9.2hh spotted pony mare of approximately 12 years old with very overgrown feet. The pony Firefly was also suffering from laminitis, an extremely painful foot condition and was unable to walk properly.
Firefly was examined on site by independent veterinary surgeon Catherine Monk with assistance from RSPCA Inspector Marc Neipol and was deemed to be suffering. Mrs Read agreed for Firefly to be taken to ILPH Hall Farm in Norfolk for treatment but would not sign the pony into the permanent care of the charity.
ILPH Field Officer Michael Smith said: "I am delighted with the outcome. There is no doubt that the new Animal Welfare Act which came into force on the 6th April this year, made it easier for the ILPH and RSPCA to act as it places more responsibility on the owners of animals to ensure they do not suffer."
Mrs Read was deprived of ownership of Firefly who is now in the permanent care of the ILPH and will eventually be re-homed through the ILPH loan scheme.
Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of a horse or pony can call the ILPH welfare line in confidence on 0870 871 1927.
Added on: 21/11/07.
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