ERIK SYMMONS FROM HAVERFORDWEST SHOCKINGLY NEGLECTS SHEEPLAND PONIES IN WALES

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Eric Symmons, a resident of Haverfordwest, was found guilty in 2017 for his gross failure to care for three Shetland ponies kept at his property on Station Road, Letterston. The case drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities due to the severe condition of the ponies and the evident neglect that had persisted over an extended period.

Symmons himself admitted that his inaction had led to the unnecessary suffering of the ponies, highlighting a troubling disregard for their well-being. One of the ponies was found to weigh only 141 kilograms, a figure that is more than 100 kilograms below the typical weight expected for a Shetland pony of her size. This stark weight deficiency underscored the extent of malnutrition and neglect that the animals had endured.

Following the discovery, all three ponies were taken into the care of RSPCA Cymru, which subsequently facilitated their rehabilitation and re-homing. The RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben described the scene, stating, "We found three Shetlands at this property seriously impeded by overgrown hooves and hidden from view. The suffering they endured is likely to have lasted many months." He emphasized that such neglect was entirely preventable, noting, "There’s no excuse for this sort of shocking neglect. A straightforward five-minute phone call to a farrier could have prevented these Shetland ponies from experiencing the pain and suffering of such dangerously overgrown hooves."

Inspector Hogben further explained that the neglect was long-term and entirely unnecessary, with one of the ponies being lame and in very poor physical condition. The RSPCA remains committed to taking action against animal cruelty, and in this case, Symmons was ordered to pay a fine totaling £888. Despite the severity of the neglect, no ban on owning animals was imposed. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the Haverfordwest area.