Work order for councillor who caused ponies unnecessary suffering

A PARISH councillor has been banned from owning horses after being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her three Shetland ponies.

Amanda Ann Munro, 54, was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work following a threeday trial at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.

The sentencing hearing was told that Munro, of Rakehill Road, Scholes, neglected the animals over a period between November and December 2015. The ponies, named Coco, Cookie and Oreo, were kept in a paddock adjoining Ms Munro’s home and were found underweight by an RSPCA inspector after a call-out.

Sentencing Munro, District Judge Marie Mallon said: “In respect of these offences, I do take into account the fact that effectively you were of previous good character, you certainly have nothing similar recorded against you.

“But they are serious offences and, in particular, the causing unnecessary suffering offence is serious.”

Munro was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to three Shetland ponies and failing to ensure their needs were met under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. She was also found guilty of ensuring the needs of a goat, which was housed alone above a stable in the paddock, were adequately met.

Munro was found not guilty on a charge of failing to provide the goat, named Caramel, with a suitable environment.

A written judgement, prepared by the judge before passing sentence, said: “I find that the defendant failed to adequately investigate and treat the cause of the ponies’ poor body condition.”

Munro was given a 12-month community order with a 200hour unpaid work requirement. She was ordered to pay £500 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

The judge also made an order depriving her of the three ponies and the goat. Munro has also been disqualified from owning, keeping, dealing or transporting equines or goats for at least five years.

Other ponies owned by Munro which are kept at a livery in Garforth will also be transferred to the care of the RSPCA.

A legal representative for Ms Munro declined to comment.