Stephen Marshall Hall pleads not guilty to cruelty against Shetland pony named Molly

A Westerway man has pleaded not guilty to charges related to animal cruelty against a Shetland pony named Molly. IN COURT >>

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A Westerway man has pleaded not guilty to charges related to animal cruelty against a Shetland pony named Molly.

Stephen Marshall Hall, 59, appeared before the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday and entered a not guilty plea to animal cruelty, aggravated cruelty, and using a management method likely to result in unreasonable and unjustifiable pain or suffering.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of failing to comply with prescribed storage of firearms requirements.

Magistrate Robert Webster said Mr Hall had allegedly “failed to ensure the pony’s hooves were properly trimmed and otherwise cared for” in October 2020.

Mr Webster said Mr Hall had been charged with using a method of management of an animal which was likely to lead to “unreasonable suffering” or “pain”.

According to court documents, the RSPCA alleged Mr Hall committed aggravated cruelty in that he was reckless as to whether the failure to care for Molly’s hoofs would lead to her death, deformity or serious injury.

The RSPCA alleged he failed to feed her appropriate food to prevent laminitis.

Mr Hall requested the matter be adjourned to allow time to compile reports from two veterinarians.

He said a farrier would also provide a written statement and would give testimony before the court.

Mr Webster adjourned the cruelty to animals charges for mention to September 2.

Mr Hall’s firearms charges, to which he pleaded guilty, were also adjourned.