A WOMAN has been banned from keeping horses and donkeys for just three years after neglecting 19 animals in her care.
The Scottish SPCA said they were disappointed at the sanction imposed on Karen Brady who admitted the charge at Hamilton Sheriff court.
The 35-year-old, of South Grey Stone Farm, Lesmahagow, was Lanarkshire was sentenced today and given 170 hours community service.
Brady left one horse suffering a leg injury
Brady had previously pled guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment and one charge of abandonment and failing to make adequate provisions for 10 Shetland ponies, two cob type ponies and seven donkeys.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted to the animals suffering at fields rented by Brady at High Kype Road, Strathaven.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We are extremely disappointed with the sentence imposed as we believe a life ban on keeping animals would have been entirely appropriate for a case as horrendous as this.
“One young female donkey in particular was collapsed and in an advanced state of suffering.
WARNING: Images below may cause distress
“Her head collar was so tight that it was growing into her head, cutting into the flesh around her nose and behind her ears and penetrating to the bone in two areas. There were also maggots feeding off the dead tissue.
“It would have taken weeks for her collar to become so embedded and there is no doubt that she was caused a great deal of pain and distress as a result of Brady’s neglect. Sadly, her suffering was so severe that the accompanying vet had to put her to sleep immediately.
“We also found a cob type pony with deep lacerations to his forelegs which were open and weeping and he was lame on his front right leg. The vet who examined him said these injuries were five to seven days old and should have received immediate veterinary attention.
“Thankfully, after prolonged rehabilitation this pony recovered in our care and was found a loving new home.”
One donkey suffered horrific injuries from a head collar
