A South London woman who left her pony with an untreated lice infestation on a field in Surrey has been banned from keeping equines for seven years after a prosecution by the RSPCA.
Sophie Michelle Deluce, (D.o.B 14/3/1987) of Kent Way, Surbiton, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of an animal she was responsible for under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. She appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on February 27 where she was also fined £120 and told to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and court costs of £400.
The court heard the skewbald cob gelding, called Clyde, was found in a field on Mill Way in Leatherhead by World Horse Welfare officer Becky Carter, who contacted the RSPCA because she was concerned about the pony’s welfare. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Samantha Matthews attended and a vet assessed the equine at the location on April 22 last year.
Samantha said in a statement to the court: “The pony had lice over his body and a high temperature. He had what appeared to be a swelling under his stomach and around the sheath area which the vet felt was possibly as a result of parasites.”
The vet concluded Clyde was suffering with a ventral oedema and a swollen sheath. He was taken from the field to an equine veterinary clinic for treatment.
He made a recovery from the parasite infection in the care of the RSPCA and the defendant signed him over to the animal charity. But further investigations showed he was suffering from liver disease with a poor prognosis. Sadly, it was decided the kindest course of action was to put the pony to sleep.
The court heard the defendant’s mitigating circumstances included suffering from mental health issues.
The magistrates also made an order for the seizure of the defendant’s other horses.
Deluce has since lodged an appeal against the disqualification.
Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Natalie Kitchin, who also investigated the case, said: “The defendant didn’t worm this poor pony and he suffered from a horrible parasite infection which left him in an appalling condition. Despite spending some time at an RSPCA animal centre, Clyde’s liver was failing and sadly he was unable to make a recovery.”
