CONVICTED (2018) | Tara Louise Sutton, born c. 1975, of Lanlivery, Bodmin PL30 5DL – left eight ponies to suffer in ‘dangerously boggy’ field in deep mud and with no food. Tara Sutton,  owner of a ‘ponies-for-hire’ business named Miss Polly’s Ponies, pleaded guilty  on Thursday 25/10/2018 to two offences in a prosecution case brought by the RSPCA. Sutton left ponies Cherry, Tic-Tac, Millie, Benson, Cilla, Lady, and two known as George to suffer in squalid conditions to the point that bones could be seen through their skin. The ponies were rescued near Bodmin in April 2018. Four of the ponies, two Shetlands known as George and Cilla, along with a cob known as George, and Cherry, were found to be suffering and were so underweight that bones could be seen through their skin. RSPCA inspector Claire Ryder, who investigated the neglect, said: “This case is a reminder that caring for horses is a huge responsibility and highlights the importance of ensuring their welfare. “Sutton neglected to meet the basic care needs of her horses; they were kept in wholly unsuitable housing with no forage, no food, and just a small amount of dirty water. “The land where they were left to graze was dangerously boggy, with ponies faced with no choice but to stand in deep mud. “Wherever possible we offer advice and assistance to improve animal welfare, including giving people time to make improvements to their standards of care, however, despite advice from ourselves, other equine charities, and a Defra vet, Sutton continued to fail to provide appropriate care for her horses.” Sentencing: 12 weeks in custody, suspended for twelve months. Ordered to pay £300. Banned from keeping equines for three years (expired October 2021). The disqualification and seizure orders are suspended for 28 days by the court to enable her to find homes for the horses in her care. CornwallLive