THOMAS KING SENTENCED IN LLANELLI FOR ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENSES

Thomas Martin King, born on 11 January 1970 and residing at Waungoch, Upper Tumble, Llanelli SA14 6BX, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting four ponies, resulting in severe hoof overgrowth and suffering.

King pleaded guilty to two offenses under the Animal Welfare Act, admitting that he caused unnecessary suffering to a piebald female Shetland pony by neglecting her overgrown hooves, which led to her lameness. He also failed in his duty to protect the other three ponies from pain, injury, suffering, and disease, as evidenced by their overgrown hooves.

Following the case, RSPCA inspector Nic De Celis described his findings at Beudy Bach in Upper Tumble at the end of July 2019. He said, “When I approached the group of ponies they began to move away, three of them were nodding and moving abnormally and then began high stepping as they picked up speed.

However, the fourth pony, a piebald, appeared to be in some distress and was unable to walk properly and could not keep up with the others. The pony’s front hooves had overgrown forward, were curled up and back on themselves, and were rubbing against her legs as she walked, causing bleeding.”

King was present at the scene and requested a vet and farrier, who arrived promptly. King was eager for the ponies to receive immediate treatment.

“Once the ponies’ feet had all been trimmed and filed, I advised the owner that he must ensure any follow-up treatment advised by his vet is administered, and if there are issues, he should contact his vet immediately,” said inspector De Celis.

Two days later, inspector De Celis returned to the location with a veterinarian. One of the ponies appeared sore when walking, and the owner was advised to coordinate with his vet to provide ongoing pain relief.

In court, it was noted that the ponies have been well treated since intervention and that King showed remorse for his neglect. Inspector De Celis emphasized, “It is just so important to ensure that hooves are cared for – a simple phone call to a farrier much earlier could have prevented these ponies from experiencing pain or discomfort.”

The court sentenced King to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £400 in costs and a victim surcharge of £122.

This case was reported by the South Wales Guardian.