A 41-year-old woman from the South West has been fined $4000 and banned from owning horses for three years after her miniature pony was found with severely overgrown and painful hooves.
The woman appeared in the Busselton Magistrates Court this week where she was also ordered to pay $3473 in court and care costs to RSPCA WA.
The court heard, an RSPCA WA inspector attended a property in Cowaramup in October last year after receiving a cruelty report.
The inspector found the 14-year-old pony, named Magic, in an overgrown paddock with no access to water.
He was hunched over and struggling to walk or stand.
The inspector called in a vet who noted Magic's hooves were excessively overgrown due to chronic neglect.
She also found he was suffering from laminitis–a condition causing inflammation inside the hoof–which would have been present for at least six months.
The vet advised Magic was in extreme pain and required immediate treatment, prompting the RSPCA inspector to seize the pony.
Magic's hooves were extremely overgrown. PIC: RSPCA WA
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said regular hoof care for horses was non-negotiable.
"Hoof care is not about appearances, it’s a basic health requirement," she said.
"Overgrown hooves and laminitis can be excruciating for a horse. When you limit a horse’s ability to stand, walk and move, you completely diminish their quality of life."
Ms Green said Magic’s condition had improved considerably in foster care with RSPCA WA, however the consequences of his neglect would likely be lifelong.
"Magic is so much happier and healthier," she said.
"It’s sad that there will be ongoing issues associated with his prolonged neglect. But we’re happy to say he has now been adopted by a committed owner and will live a life free from pain and discomfort."
Despite the woman being banned from owning horses for three years she is allowed to keep the three she already owns.
The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect.
Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au
Magic after coming into care of the RSPCA. PIC: RSPCA WA
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