A Cardiff man who left his pony in a car park while he visited a pub has been banned from owning horses for seven years. James Price, 33, neglected his pony Coco by leaving her without food or water in Plympton in August 2023. Coco was later found with sunburn lesions, ragged hooves with nails sticking out, and broken skin where her harness rubbed. People visiting a nearby store were alarmed about the pony’s health and offered her water before alerting the police.
Price left the two-year-old pony without food or water, causing her to become “extremely hungry,” the court heard, while he went to the pub. Devon and Cornwall Police officers intervened, taking Coco into their care and calling a vet and the RSPCA for further investigation. Coco, in poor health, drank 25 litres of water upon arrival at a stable, with another 25 litres consumed overnight. The vet described Coco as quiet, lethargic, and not behaving her age, noting her physical ailments.
Price admitted neglecting Coco under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, leading to a ban on owning horses for seven years, a community order, and fines. RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson commended the public for reporting concerns. Coco was signed over to the RSPCA’s care and has since made a good recovery, seeking a new home. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring animals’ basic needs are met and providing appropriate care.