A FIFE woman left her pony with such ‘horrendously’ overgrown hooves it had to be put down.
Martha Balmain, 70, of Balbeggie Avenue, Thornton, admitted causing the animal unnecessary suffering at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today.
The mistreatment was uncovered by a Scottish SPCA investigation.
Balmain failed to provide veterinary treatment for her 10 year old Shetland pony, Smudge, whose feet were so horrendously overgrown he was effectively crippled, the SSPCA said.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “This pony was caused a great deal of pain and suffering over a prolonged period of time.
“Unfortunately, the veterinary advice was the pony had developed a severe pedal bone rotation which was causing him extensive mobility problems.
“This made the possibility of Smudge ever making a full recovery nil, so the sad decision was taken by an equine vet to end his suffering and alleviate any further distress.
“It is now for the court to decide an appropriate punishment.”
Sentence has been deferred for background reports.
