STEPHEN GRIFFITHS FROM CARMARTHENSHIRE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO SHETLAND PONIES IN LLANTSTEFAN

Stephen Edward Griffiths, a resident of Llansteffan in Carmarthenshire, has been convicted of serious animal welfare offenses involving two Shetland ponies. Born on December 12, 1962, Griffiths resides at the Old Slaughterhouse in Llansteffan, with the address SA33 5HA. His conviction stems from neglect and cruelty inflicted upon the ponies under his care, which resulted in the death of one and the severe suffering of the other.

The case came to light after the RSPCA received reports indicating that two Shetland ponies were in distress at Griffiths' property in Llansteffan. On June 18, 2024, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben responded to the call and arrived at the scene to find a distressing situation. He observed a grey Shetland-type pony that was deceased, in a state of extreme emaciation, with hair loss and a chain still attached to a collar around its neck. The chain was not secured to anything, indicating neglect.

Close to the deceased pony, Inspector Hogben found another Shetland pony, a coloured type, which was in a visibly poor condition. The animal's spine and ribs were easily palpable, and it exhibited signs of skin issues. This pony had been sprayed with purple dye and was tethered to a tree by a chain attached to its head collar. Despite the presence of a water bucket nearby, it was noted that the water had been placed there by the caller, not Griffiths.

Griffiths explained to the inspector that the grey pony had been dead for a few days, but he had been unable to move the body due to a broken tractor. He also disclosed that he had only recently taken the ponies into his care, having rescued the skewbald pony from the village of Cross Hands a few months prior. The skewbald pony was deemed fit to travel by a veterinarian and was subsequently handed over to the RSPCA for care.

The veterinarian's report detailed the dire condition of the ponies. The skewbald Shetland stallion was tethered on a short chain, approximately eight feet long, which limited its access to forage. The vet described the pony as being in a very poor body condition, with a body condition score of just 0.5 out of five. The pony was suffering from a heavy lice infestation and had limited grazing space due to the short tether.

The dead grey mare was also found to be in a similarly deplorable state, with a body condition score of 0.5 out of five. Her spine and spinous processes were protruding, her ribs were clearly visible despite her long coat, and her skeletal pelvis was evident, all indicative of severe malnutrition and neglect.

During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that Griffiths, who lives with his partner Joanne Hillier, expressed genuine remorse for his actions. The court heard that Griffiths had only recently taken the ponies into his care and that he was unaware of the extent of their suffering until the inspection.

Following the investigation, Griffiths was sentenced to two concurrent 16-week prison terms, which were suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation and pay costs amounting to £250. He was also disqualified from keeping any equines for a period of ten years, a ban that will expire in February 2035.

The surviving Shetland pony, named Groovy Bob, has shown signs of recovery following veterinary treatment and has been rehomed. The RSPCA and other animal welfare organizations continue to emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for vigilance to prevent such cases of neglect and cruelty from recurring.