A Shetland pony found with overgrown hooves in Fife was in such a neglected state it had to be put to sleep.
Animal welfare organisation the Scottish SPCA said it was “extremely unlikely” the male pony would have made a full recovery and a vet had taken the decision to have it humanely euthanised.
SSPCA inspectors discovered the pony in Thornton on Sunday. The animal’s hooves were badly deformed leaving it in considerable pain and distress.
Senior inspector Steven Gray 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 deformity due to a lack of treatment and care.
“This made the possibility of the pony making a full recovery extremely unlikely, so the decision was taken to end his suffering and alleviate any further distress.”
The Courier has been contacted by a Thornton resident who claimed the pony may have been kept at a farm for a number of years. However, the SSPCA said the animal’s previous whereabouts was still under investigation and appealed for the public’s help in tracing its former owner.
“The information we have is the pony was found wandering along a lane by Balbeggie Avenue around two weeks ago and was taken in by someone locally,” Mr Gray said. “We are keen to trace the person responsible for this neglect and urge anyone with information to come forward.
“Someone may know who owned this pony or may even have simply seen it being kept in a nearby field or paddock recently.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the SSPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Any calls will be treated in confidence.
A Fife Shetland pony breeder, who asked not to be named, said hooves normally had to be trimmed by a farrier every eight to 12 weeks.
She said, “It’s truly devastating and so unnecessary. That’s years worth of growth and not just a case of it’s not been done for a few months. The poor wee thing didn’t have a chance.
“It’s important to raise awareness that having a pony is not like having a dog. They need attended to by professional people.
“This just shows what can happen if an owner loses interest. Shetland ponies usually have long lives and can live until they’re 40. They are really hardy little ponies.”
She said the pony would have been in a lot of discomfort.
“Obviously there would be some amount of pain because it’s not going to be able to move and would not have had a normal gait.”