A MAN FROM Sligo has been charged in court for cruelty to animals after keeping a pony tied up for so long, the rope cut into her face.
According to the ISPCA, William ‘Jack’ Conway admitted to the offence at Sligo District Court yesterday and has until 12 September to pay a fine of €800 or face a prison term.
The ISPCA were notified about the distressed pony at an address at Streamstown, Ballysadare in June last year by a concerned member of the public. A brown mare was found with a rope head collar embedded into her face resulting in an open wound.
ISPCA Inspector Kevin McGinley called to Conway’s house, which was around 30 metres from the paddock where the pony was housed. Despite the close proximity of the animal, Conway said he had not looked at it closely for approximately two weeks.
The pony, named Sue by rescuers, was immediately surrendered to the care of the ISPCA and taken to the charity’s National Animal Centre for treatment and rehabilitation. Sue made a full recovery and was rehomed as a driving pony.
Inspector McGinley said: ”This case highlights how important it is to regularly check on the health and welfare of animals in your care. Owners have a responsibility to their animals and it is not an excuse to claim that you just did not notice an obvious problem”.
If anyone would like to contact the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Co. Longford call 043 33 25035 or visit www.ispca.ie.
Sue made a full recovery and was rehomed as a driving pony, here she is now looking happy and healthy. (Image: ISPCA)
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