RSPCA said handling method was ‘unacceptable and inappropriate’
A MAN from Brecon has been fined after admitting dragging a pony behind a vehicle in what the RSPCA described as an “unacceptable and inappropriate” method of handling.
Geoffrey Williams, born on September 28, 1962, of Aberbran, Brecon, appeared before Merthyr Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
The court heard that Williams failed to meet the needs of the pony by ensuring it was protected from pain, suffering and injury.
He was sentenced at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday May 6 and ordered to pay a £1,000 fine, £400 costs and a £400 victim surcharge.
The case followed the RSPCA being presented with three video clips showing a black and white pony being dragged along by a rope attached to the rear of a quad or gator-style vehicle. The incident happened on April 2 last year.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Rohan Barker visited Williams and showed him the footage.
“He confirmed that it was him in the video and explained that the method he was using was a method he had used for years to break in ponies,” said Mr Barker.
In mitigation, Williams said it was a method he had previously used to train ponies, but accepted that training practices had moved on. He told the court he had not repeated the behaviour.
A veterinary statement submitted to the court described the footage as showing a young cob pony attached by a headcollar and rope to the rear of the vehicle, which was travelling down a sloping field.
The vet concluded that the pony had been exposed to harmful physical and mental experiences, causing distress and fear and creating a risk of physical injury and lasting harm.
“Everything exhibited in the videos indicates that the driver of the quad vehicle exposed the pony to a series of harmful physical and mental experiences that caused distress, fear and risk of physical injury and lasting harm,” the statement said.
The vet added that fearful learning experiences are not easily erased, and warned the pony may now suffer a lifelong fear of handling, which could be triggered in the future by similar situations.
Following sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben said the charity believed animals should be trained using ethical, science-based methods.
“The RSPCA believes that all animals should be trained using kind, ethical and science based methods by appropriately qualified and regulated professionals,” he said.
“Equines need calm, consistent and sympathetic handling by competent people. A consistent gentle approach should be used, and training should be based on a reward-focused system.”
Further advice on equine care is available on the RSPCA website.
