A horse owner who left his pony with serious injuries was banned from keeping equines for three years earlier this month (7 May).
The animal was put down due to the severity of the injuries.
Paul Smith, 43, who lived in Burton, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
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The case that was brought by the RSPCA showed Smith had failed to get veterinary help for his pony after it had become trapped in a ditch for several days.
The pony had serious injuries to its right foreleg and tail and had to be put down by the vets.
Smith was given a prison sentence of 12 weeks, suspended for one year, at South East Magistrates’ Court.
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He was also ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £2,000 in court costs.
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Following the sentencing RSPC inspector Kate Levesley said: “This poor pony was in a really bad state when he was found as he had been in the ditch for a couple of days with the very serious wound and unfortunately he could not be saved.
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“This case just highlights the importance of checking on your horses because things can happen and it is an owner’s responsibility to keep them safe.”
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