A woman from South London who left her pony with an untreated lice infestation all over his body in a field in Surrey has been banned from keeping equines for seven years after a prosecution by the RSPCA.
The gelding was also suffering from a parasite infection and was later diagnosed with liver disease. As his prognosis was poor, he was put to sleep.
Sophie Michelle Deluce, 38, from Surbiton, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of an animal she was responsible for under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
She appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on February 27, where she was also fined £120 and told to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and court costs of £400. The magistrates also made an order for the seizure of the defendant’s other horses.
Concern about welfare
The court heard how Clyde, a skewbald cob, was found in a field on Mill Way in Leatherhead by World Horse Welfare Officer Becky Carter. She contacted the RSPCA because she was concerned about the pony’s welfare.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Samantha Matthews attended and a vet assessed the equine at the location on April 22, 2024.
“The pony had lice over his body and a high temperature. He had what appeared to be a swelling under his stomach and around the sheath area which the vet felt was possibly as a result of parasites,” said Samantha in a statement.
The vet concluded Clyde was suffering with a ventral oedema and a swollen sheath. The gelding was taken from the field to an equine veterinary clinic for treatment.
He made a recovery from the parasite infection in the care of the RSPCA and the defendant signed him over to the animal charity.
Mental health issues
The court heard the defendant’s mitigating circumstances included suffering from mental health issues.
She has since lodged an appeal against the disqualification.
“The defendant didn’t worm this poor pony and he suffered from a horrible parasite infection which left him in an appalling condition,” said RSPCA Inspector Natalie Kitchin after the sentencing.
“Despite spending some time at an RSPCA animal centre, Clyde’s liver was failing and sadly he was unable to make a recovery.”
