A MAN and woman from Llandysul have been sentenced for animal welfare offences towards 16 different horses found in a neglected state.
David Robert John Davies, of Maes Dilen, Pentrcwrt, Llandysul, Cardigan, was sent to prison for 26 weeks and disqualified from keeping horses for life after he admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to 16 horses.
Leanne Summers, of the same address, was also disqualified from keeping horses for five years and given a suspended sentence.
Both defendants appeared at Llanelli Magistrates Court on Friday (October 23) for sentencing following a trial heard earlier this month. Summers was found guilty of the six offences at the previous trial, while Davies had pleaded guilty on the first day of the trial.
Three of the offences related to the welfare of a black colt and five horses from the Rhydargaeuau area and three offences related to the welfare of 10 horses from the Capel Dewi area.
The RSPCA was called after concern was raised about the welfare of eight horses in the Rhydargaeuau area. Two were found dead. One of the horses, a black colt, was sadly put to sleep on veterinary advice due to its condition.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Julie Fadden said: “These horses were all in a terrible state of neglect. Two were already dead, and very sadly, the black colt was in such a bad state of health that nothing could be done to save him.
“The other five were Welsh mountain ponies and were ranging in condition from thin to emaciated.”
RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben attended another location at Capel Dewi and where he discovered a further with 10 horses.
He said: “Sadly one of the horses was so weak that a vet said he had to be put to sleep. It was horrendous and so sad. Six out of the ten horses were in a very thin condition.”
“People have these horses and don’t understand how to look after them. These are their basic needs and they need to be checked daily.”
The surviving horses were taken into RSPCA care and we hope to re-home them soon.
Magistrates sentenced Davies to a term of 26 weeks imprisonment and was also disqualified for life from keeping horses although this is delayed until February 1, 2016. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80.
Summers was also handed a term of 26 weeks imprisonment which has been suspended for two years.
She was also given a 12 month supervision order and was disqualified from keeping horses for five years, which is suspended until February 1, 2016. Summers was also ordered to pay a £4,000 fine and a £80 victim surcharge.
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