Court fines horse owner

The charge related to a miniature pony called Little Man that inspectors saw in poor condition at the 60-year-old woman’s property in May, 2011.

He had difficulty walking and his hooves were overgrown. Veterinarians at RSPCA’s Malaga headquarters said he had four overgrown hooves and a matted tail with dirt, suggesting he spent a lot of time on the ground and was not receiving care.

He was later put down at an equine veterinary centre after further examinations revealed significant injuries, including one leg that was unable to be fully extended.

A post-mortem revealed severe degenerative joint disease and subsequent osteoarthritis in the shoulder joints.

In her sentencing remarks, Magistrate Jennifer Hawkins said the offence was ‘very serious and it was appropriate the RSPCA prosecuted’.