A St Cyrus woman has been told to rehome nine of her 11 horses before she is sentenced for an animal cruelty charge.
Donna Parley, 30, of Croft Place, admitted causing a pony unnecessary suffering when she appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court.
She admitted that between January 27 and February 14 last year at the village’s Jackston Farm, she failed to provide timeous and appropriate care, including veterinary treatment.
When the animal was found by a SSPCA inspector, its coat was dirty and matted, it had lice, its skin was pruritic, it was suffering from a gastrointestinal condition and it was listless and emaciated.
Parley faced another charge under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act of failing to provide a suitable environment for the pony. However, her not guilty plea on this charge was accepted by the Crown.
Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said an SSPCA inspector attended at the farm on January 27 after receiving a tip-off.
“The inspector met with the accused and told her she should seek veterinary attention for the pony,” she said.
“At that time, she said she was treating the pony for worms and pneumonia but that the pony had not been examined by a vet.”
The SSPCA inspector returned to the property after receiving another phone call from a concerned member of the public.
Ms Whyte continued: “He found the pony standing in the back of a horse box. It appeared unwell with its head hanging and its back end covered in wet excrement. The area where the pony was lying was also covered in wet excrement.
“The pony was very underweight. It was also listless and unwilling to move.
“He made contact with the accused and asked whether a vet had been called. She said she had not but had continued to give treatment.
“Thereafter, the pony was examined by the veterinary surgeon. Following the examination, lice and pruritic skin was found.”
Defence agent Robin Beattie said Parley had purchased the animal in poor condition for just £5 two months prior to the SSPCA investigation.
He said: “My client has 11 horses and two cats and any disqualification would be exceptionally detrimental to her.
“This is a woman who has kept animals her entire life. She obtained this animal in ill health with a view of nursing it back to good health. This was a blip and an error of judgement taking this animal on.
“She could not pay for a vet and could not match the care taken by an appropriate veterinary surgeon.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio said it was a “grave concern” that Parley had taken on animals she could not afford to pay for.
He deferred sentence for three months and told Parley to rehome nine of 11 of her horses before she came back to court. The case will call again on June 11.