CONVICTED (2014) | Louise Murray, born c. 1973, of 13 Waterford Way, Runcorn WA7 6DY – for the ‘harrowing and prolonged neglect’ of a pony poisoned by ragwort.
Louise Murray was banned for life from keeping animals after her emaciated pony, Anjelica, was not treated for ragwort poisoning and had to be put to sleep.
Murray was prosecuted after RSPCA officers discovered the grey mare unable to stand in a stable on Manley Road in Frodsham.
Chester Magistrates court heard Murray had kept the animal in a field containing the poisonous and deadly weed ragwort.
She pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animal between August 8 and August 29, 2013.
The RSPCA said she had failed to provide proper care and seeking medical attention.
Animal welfare staff found Anjelica prone on her side in a stable after they received a phone call saying a horse had collapsed.
Her ribs and hip bones were showing.
She was weak and ‘barely able to lift her head’, the RSPCA added, and did not have the strength to reach two large buckets of water nearby.
A vet was called and put Anjelica to sleep to end her suffering.
An examination of her body revealed soiling and fraying and staining of her right side, indicating she had been lying there for a long time.
A post-mortem revealed she had suffered prolonged sickness due to ragwort toxicity.
The plant, also known as ‘yellow peril’ is a poisonous weed that causes irreversible damage to horses’ livers and results in an ‘extremely painful death’.
Cara Challinor, RSPCA inspector, said: “This is by far one of the most harrowing cases of prolonged neglect I have witnessed during my time as an inspector.
“The fact the pony was lying next to two buckets of fresh water but was too weak to even reach them is just heartbreaking.
“I feel it is important that this case is highlighted so that people can understand the dangers of allowing a horse or pony to graze in a field of ragwort.
“The symptoms can take a long time come through but can cause terrible conditions.
“Sadly in this case it was made even worse because the defendant failed to seek veterinary help for Anjelica when she fell ill.”
Sentencing: 12-month community order; £560 prosecution costs. Banned for life from keeping animals.
Absolutely Heart Breaking.