Wendy Hayes, of Winford Drive, Broxbourne, Herts, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a Cremello pony called Champers under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act at Hertfordshire Magistrates Court on Wednesday 16th April.
At an earlier trial, which took place between 11-14th March, the court heard how Hayes was an experienced horseman and stable owner.
The RSPCA were first called to a field in Elbow Lane, Hertford Heath, in February last year following concerns about the condition of some horses in the field which appeared to be in varying states of emaciation. The inspector established that Hayes was the original owner of Champers, but had given her to a friend, who had found herself unable to care for the pony and had passed her back. Due to a dispute over the ownership of Champers, Hayes admitted she had not attended her regularly.
Champers was in a state of severe emaciation and on vet advice she was removed from the field and sadly died two days later following a prolapse.
Sentencing is expected on 19 May
