West Wales Man Banned from Keeping Equines in Animal Cruelty Case

A Carmarthenshire man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping equines for 10 years after two Shetland ponies were discovered in severely poor condition—with one tragically found dead.

Stephen Edward Griffiths, 61, of Llansteffan, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals.

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben described the devastating scene: “When I arrived, I observed a dead grey Shetland pony in thin condition with hair loss. A chain was attached to a collar around its neck but not secured to anything at the other end.”

The surviving pony, now named Groovy Bob, was found emaciated and tethered to a tree. According to the vet’s statement: “He had very limited access to forage due to the tether, and the available space was well grazed. He also had a severe lice infestation.”

Both ponies were given the lowest possible body condition score of 0.5 out of 5.

The good news? Groovy Bob has made a full recovery and found a loving new home through the RSPCA. 🌟

Griffiths received a 16-week suspended prison sentence, must complete rehabilitation activities, and pay £250 in costs.