Welsh ponies club members ‘horrified’ by RSPCA investigation
Welsh ponies club members have expressed their horror after learning a member of their group in Teesdale, who has previously pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, is once again under RSPCA investigation.
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A Teesdale woman who previously pleaded guilty to animal cruelty towards 32 Welsh ponies is again under investigation by the RSPCA.
The woman, Karen Smithyman, continues to own ponies and remains a member of the Welsh Pony and Club Society of Australia.
Ms Smithyman, then 69, pleaded guilty in 2021 to three counts of animal cruelty between December 2018 and February 2019.
Smithyman’s 32 Welsh ponies were found by RSPCA investigators with ribs and backbones visible due to neglect, the Geelong Magistrates Court heard at the time.
RSPCA Inspector Shannon Walsh said officers were investigating a report of alleged animal cruelty in the Teesdale area.
Welsh Pony and Club Society of Australia (WPCSA) member Glenda Gynee said
other members recently became aware that Ms Smithyman’s Welsh ponies looked underfed.
Ms Gynee said she was concerned Ms Smithyman was again under investigation, and equally concerned that she still owned ponies.
Ms Gynee said she approached the WPCSA, where Ms Smithyman remained a member, and questioned how those convicted of neglect could still hold membership.
“It’s horrendous,” she said.
“I can’t believe our own society was actually oblivious to what was going on.
“(Keeping horses) is not easy on anyone, but I could not sleep at night if my animals were hungry.
“I’d rather live on toast.
“It’s not a good reflection.”
WPCSA Chairperson Michele Baker Chairperson confirmed Ms Smithyman’s membership and said the society had not been informed by the RSPCA of the ongoing case involving Karen Smithyman.
“Our Society has contacted the RSPCA but as per their policy, they will not provide any information or comment on any matters,: she said.
“The RSPCA has been encouraged to contact the WPCSA if they require any information.”
It’s understood the WPCSA has no powers of enforcement, but should a member be convicted of cruelty to animals, the society’s rules regarding ‘Discipline of a Member’ would be considered and could include cautioning, suspension or expulsion from, membership of the WPCSA.
Originally published as Welsh ponies club members ‘horrified’ by RSPCA investigation
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