Gran finds pony left in her garden after girl’s online buy

A GRANDMOTHER had the shock of her life when a pony was delivered to her home – after her 13-year-old granddaughter ordered it online.

The skinny, mite-covered colt was dropped off in the garden of the house in Stoke-on-Trent after the girl gave her grandmother’s address.

The grandmother contacted the charity World Horse Welfare and the pony has since been transported to its boarding stable.

Now the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare – who have named the pony Mr Melvin Andrews after two of its rescuers – are trying to trace the person who advertised the horse.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: ‘You couldn’t make this up! A 13-year-old girl responded to a plea on an online free ads site where a lady said she didn’t want the pony any more and that he would be put to sleep if no one had him.

‘She gave her nan’s address and the next thing that happened was a man just came along and dumped the pony there, no words of advice or anything like that – and leaving a very shocked nan.

‘We don’t know where this poor pony came from but he clearly was not treated well before being abandoned.’

World Horse Welfare field officer Rachel Andrews said: ‘We’re seeing sick or young ponies being abandoned when their owners no longer want them, and it would be a worry if online free ad sites are used in this way. Melvin has shown himself to be a lovely little pony and we hope in time we can find him a good home.

‘Every horse and pony deserves responsible ownership, which includes responsible breeding, selling and rehoming.’

The RSPCA said that it took in 1,000 horses last year, a fouryear high.

‘She said he’d be put to sleep’