Horse was left in pain for weeks, Sligo District Court is told
A six month old pony was left in pain for several weeks after deep wounds to its neck were left untreated, Sligo District Court was told on Thursday.
Before the court was Charles Ward of Elm Gardens, Ballytivnan who admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a piebald colt at the Clarion Road on January 26th 2015 and with failing to take all necessary steps to ensure it was kept and treated in a manner which safeguarded its health and welfare.
Garda Claire O’Brien told the court she went to a disused car park at the Clarion Road following a call and came across a six month old pony which was bleeding from its neck. It had two large wounds to its neck which were badly infected.
They were a few weeks old and had not been treated. The pony was removed to a sanctuary in Castlebaldwin run by Sue Paling and it also received veterinary attention.
Garda O’Brien said the pony had bacterial and blood infections and was in pain for a number of weeks. One of the wounds was very deep and involved the muscle area.
Ms Paling packed and changed the dressings every day on the wounds and a veterinary surgeon visited every second day, the latter’s bill coming to € 300. The pony made a full recovery and has since been rehomed in the Coolaney area.
The Garda said the pony was on its own when she found it. It had been attacked by a stallion but the wounds had not been treated afterwards and had just “been left there.”
Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor ( defending) said this sort of thing happened in the animal world and there was very little anyone could do.
Judge Kevin Kilrane said it looked as though it was a case of lack of treatment.
Mr McGovern replied that sometimes a person would put their own treatment on and it doesn’t work. In this case the situation required more treatment and as the infection developed, antibiotics.
The solicitor pleaded that the defendant had horses for years, “in full view of the town and the Gardaí.”
Mr McGovern said the defendant was willing to discharge the costs involved in treating the pony.
Judge Kilrane said he would suggest the sum of € 500 for Ms Paling’s shelter.
The case was adjourned to July 20th after the defendant said he would require a month to get the money together.