Woman sentenced after horse left with fractured leg for weeks
The starved horse has died after it was left suffering a suspected fractured leg for nearly two months. SEE THE PICTURES
Moreton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Moreton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A horse left to suffer a suspected fractured leg for nearly two months died starved and neglected, a court has heard.
Caboolture Magistrates Court heard TJ the horse, which belonged to Woodford mother Evelyn Grace Mealin, had fallen into a hole and injured its leg at Stony Creek almost two months before RSPCA officers discovered it.
The court heard an RSPCA officer checked on the horse around December 10, 2018, and found it laying on its side in a yard.
It took the horse five minutes as it struggled to stand up, the court heard.
The court heard the neglected horse suffered muscle wastage, severe malnourishment and a condition known as big head which is caused by calcium deficiency.
The court heard vet checks revealed the horse was also foundering in one foot and likely suffered a fracture or severe infection in one leg from an injury that happened six to eight weeks prior, but x-rays were needed for a diagnosis.
The court heard Mealin — who had previously been visited by RSPCA officers in relation to other animals — decided against the x-rays and opted to have the horse euthanised instead.
Mealin pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate treatment for an injury for the horse and was ordered to serve 100 hours community service. No conviction was recorded.
She was also ordered to pay more than $1700 in court, vet and professional costs and prohibited from owning more animals without RSPCA permission.
More local news:
‘Scared’ drink driver runs from RBT
Brisbane’s child sex offenders and their vile crimes revealed
Meals on Wheels volunteer blames cannabis use on lost finger