Cruel owner banned after pony dies
A security guard, who allowed an elderly pony to become so thin and weak that it had to be put down on humane grounds, was banned from keeping horses for three years at Hyndburn Magistrates Courts, Accrington, Lancs, last week.
Allan Clynch from Rishton, Lancs, was found guilty of “causing unnecessary suffering” to Duke, a 30-year-old 14.2hh dark bay stallion. He was also fined £400 plus £600 costs.
ILPH field officer Chris Williamson found Duke in a stable on allotments in Rishton on 4 October last year following an anonymous tip off.
“I was appalled by Duke’s condition,” says Chris. “He was so thin that he could hardly stand, let alone walk unaided. To allow a horse to get into that condition was wanton cruelty, for which there is no excuse.”
RSPCA inspector Sarah Hill, who also attended the horse, agreed: “Duke was completely emaciated and had absolutely no muscle. He was a walking skeleton. I often see cruelty cases within my work but I was still shocked.”
Duke was taken to theILPH’s recovery and rehabilitation centre at Penny Farm near Blackpool, where he was found to be suffering from extensive liver and kidney damage. He was put down on veterinary advice.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.