Back in December of 2012 we were contacted by Devon & Cornwall Police and asked if we could take in 7 emaciated and neglected ponies, they had been seized and the owners had been arrested. There were 8 ponies, however one had to be put to sleep in the field. We agreed and the ponies were bought to our rehabilitation yard where we started caring for them. The first thing we did was have another vet check them over and take blood tests. The ponies were extremely weak and could barely walk. Slowly, with a specially formulated diet and worming regime the ponies began to gain strength and put weight on. We began handling them, as they were very nervous and frightened, and they were halter trained.
Within a few months it became apparent that one of the ponies was not recovering as well as the others. He began stumbling and resting his head on walls and spending a lot of time lying down, he had put on weight but suddenly started rapidly losing it again. Our vets ran some more tests and the results showed that the pony had irreversible liver damage and the decision was made to have him put to sleep. His name was Blaze and he was only 2 years old.
The remaining ponies have made a miraculous recovery, the are all fit and healthy, they have all been castrated, have been seen by a farrier and are fully inoculated. Considering the Awful treatment and conditions they were made to live in the remaining ponies are confident and affectionate.
The owners of the ponies were charged and after a court case they were prosecuted and banned from owning or caring for equines. We are happy with this outcome as we feel it is the very least these ponies deserve. Our dedicated staff and volunteers will continue to care for these ponies and we are sure they will soon be in loving homes.
Top : Alan, Middle : Dave & Marmite, Bottom : Spot
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