Man who tied pony to vehicle and dragged it to 'break it in' fined

A man caught on video dragging a horse tied to a vehicle has likely left the animal with a "physical legacy of harm".

Geoffrey Williams told Merthyr Magistrates' Court his method was used to "break in ponies" but accepted training had moved on and he had not repeated the behaviour.

Three videos presented to the RSPCA showed the black and white pony being dragged behind a vehicle on 2 April.

The 63-year-old, of Aberbran, Brecon, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was sentenced on 6 May to a £1,000 fine, £400 costs and a £400 victim surcharge.

Nic de Brauwere, the veterinary expert witness in the case, provided a statement to court, saying the videos indicated Williams had "exposed" the pony to a "series of harmful physical and mental experiences", causing "distress, fear, risk of physical injury and lasting harm".

De Brauwere, head of welfare and behaviour at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said the horse has likely been left with a "physical legacy of harm" which could be triggered by exposure to another similar vehicle used by an "unsuspecting future owner or trainer".

Warning: This video contains footage some might find distressing

Williams admitted using an "unacceptable and inappropriate method" and failed to meet the needs of a pony to be protected from pain, suffering and injury through an unacceptable and inappropriate method of handling.

Following sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben said all animals should be trained using "kind, ethical and science-based methods".

He added: "Equines need calm, consistent and sympathetic handling by competent people. A consistent gentle approach should be used and training should be based on a reward-focused system."