Mt Barker man Ryan Smith starved horse, left ill-fitting halter on donkey
An Adelaide Hills man found guilty of sickening animal cruelty has avoided a jail term and been placed on a good behaviour bond. WARNING: Graphic details and images
Law and Order
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A Mt Barker man who starved a horse and left a halter on a donkey that was so tight it had to be surgically removed has been placed on a good behaviour bond.
Ryan Smith was convicted in the Mt Barker Magistrates Court of two counts of ill-treatment of an animal and banned from owning any animals — apart from two dogs and a cat currently in his care — for five years.
The RSPCA, who prosecuted the case, said inspectors found an emaciated 18-year-old thoroughbred gelding, Cory, and 10-year-old donkey, Thelma, at a property in Nairne after a member of the public made a report.
Smith was accused of failing to provide enough food for the horse between December 24, 2018, and February 1, 2019.
It was found with a serious dental issue which resulted in a chronic sinus infection that required an equine specialist dentist to remove the fractured tooth and flush its sinus cavity to free the horse from significant pain.
The donkey’s halter had become embedded into its flesh, requiring surgical removal. It also was infested with parasites and had teeth and hoofs consistent with “chronic long-term neglect”.
The RSPCA said it required “extensive veterinary care to recover from the wounds”.
Both animals have since fully recovered.
The court heard Smith had agisted the animals on a property of a third party and had issues accessing the animals
RSPCA SA chief inspector Andrea Lewis said all animals needed daily care including access to clean water and quality food, as well as regular veterinary care.
“It is shocking that this donkey was left wearing a halter that was so tight it had literally cut into her face and throat, and had to be surgically removed,” she said.
“This animal’s suffering would have been significant.”
Ms Lewis also urged horse and donkey owners to be mindful of the risks of leaving equipment like halters and rugs on their animals.
“Care is needed when using equipment on animals such as halters to ensure they are fitted correctly and checked regularly, with adjustments made when necessary,” she said.
“Too often, our inspectors and rescue officers find animals suffering injuries caused by equipment that’s been left on them too long, with no checks made about how comfortably they are fitted.”
She said inspectors had also seen “really terrible injuries” caused by rugs which were not well fitted, or had slipped to one side.
“Daily checks on animals should include ensuring any equipment on them is not causing them harm.”
Magistrate Bob Harrap imposed an 18-month good behaviour bond. He also ordered Smith pay $6788 in veterinary and agistment costs to the RSPCA, as well as $722 in legal costs.
Anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or neglect should contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour report hotline on 1300 477 722.