Video of troubled little pony leads to owner copping $4000 fine
See the amazing before and after images of Magic the miniature pony.
Look closely at this image of a miniature pony and you might be able to see why its Western Australian owner was given a $4000 fine in court.
Fourteen-year-old Magic was seized by RSPCA inspectors in the Margaret River area with what they described as “severely overgrown and painful hooves”. He’d been left in a paddock in extreme pain and without access to water.
Because the owner had failed to provide basic foot care that horses and ponies require, Magic was hunched over and struggling to stand, as seen in the video below.
A vet found Magic was had been suffering from an inflammatory condition called laminitis for at least six months. He was given pain relief to help with the pain before being moved from the property last year.
Owner banned from owning horses for three years
On Tuesday, the offender appeared in the Busselton Magistrates Court, where she was banned from owning horses for three years and fined.
RSPCA Western Australia’s Kylie Green reminded horse and pony owners that hoof care isn’t about appearances, but rather a basic health requirement.
“Overgrown hooves and laminitis can be excruciating for a horse. When you limit a horse’s ability to stand, walk and move, you completely diminish their quality of life,” she said.
Pony likely to suffer lifelong problems
While Magic’s health has improved since finding a new home he’s likely to suffer lifelong ailments from his neglect.
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“We’re happy to say he has now been adopted by a committed owner and will live a life free from pain and discomfort,” Ms Green said.
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