18-year-old banned for horse cruelty

By Justine Thompson

General news

29 June 2009 14:34

An 18-year-old has been banned from keeping horses for two years after failing to get treatment for a horse with an eye injury.

John Jones (Junior), from Guildford, pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment when he appeared before Guildford Magistrates last week. He was also ordered to pay costs of £2,500 and carry out 100 hours of community service.

Equine charity World Horse Welfare (WHW) was alerted to the plight of Jones’ pony in February by a member of the public. Field Officer Ted Barnes investigated and found a 12.2hh, six-year-old tri-coloured mare tethered on Rickford Common in Guildford.

The pony’s right eye was badly injured and oozing green pus, so Ted contacted RSPCA Inspector Rob Jackson and veterinary surgeon Debbie Watson who examined the pony and discovered that her right eyelid was completely missing.

The pony was very fearful of people, clearly distressed and in terrible pain.

She was immediately taken away for treatment where vet John Baart found her eye was badly ulcerated possibly as a result of a penetrative injury. He estimated that the pony had been allowed to suffer for at least 21 days and recommended that her right eye be completely removed.

The operation, which cost £2,300, was funded by the RSPCA and, after a period of recovery, she was taken to WHW Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset where staff named her ‘Panda’.

Field Officer Ted Barnes said: “This was one of the most serious physical injuries I have ever seen on a horse and I hope I never see suffering like this again.

“Panda’s future is secure as she was signed over to us prior to the case going to court and she is now starting to respond to the care provided by World Horse Welfare staff. Hopefully it won’t be long before we can find her a caring new home.”

Visit www.worldhorsewelfare.org to find out how you help horses like Panda.