A man from Wales has been banned from keeping horses for five years after admitting six counts of causing unnecessary suffering.
Emyr Williams of Ddrwdwy Farm, Ty Croes, Anglesey, appeared at Holyhead Magistrates Court on Tuesday (9 December).
He admitted six counts of causing unnecessary suffering to horses and a seventh of failing to ensure two horses had a suitable hygienic environment.
The RSPCA was alerted to the situation in March, when a vet had been told a horse was collapsed but still alive in a field at Ddrydwy Farm.
When the vet attended, they found the three-year-old shire horse in a very poor condition. The horse was later put to sleep.
Eighteen horses were removed from his property — they were the most thin ones in the worst condition. More horses remain at the farm.
Magistrates gave Mr Williams a 24-week prison term, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to pay £1,580 costs and has been disqualified from keeping horses for five years. This has been deferred for six months to allow him to deal with around 100 horses.
“When we got there it was a quite a shock. It was such a bad scene,” said RSPCA inspector Andy Broadbent.
“This has been the worst horse case I have dealt with because of the sheer quantity of the horses.
“We will continue to work with Mr Williams during the next six months to ensure the continued welfare of the horses until the ban comes in.”
