Sign up to FREE email alerts from NorthWalesLive - Court News Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A man has been banned from keeping animals for a decade after two of his eight horses and ponies had to be put down.

The remaining six were removed from his care due to the extent of their mistreatment.

Steven Martin Lock, 54, pleaded guilty to four Animal Welfare Act offences related to his “appalling” and “long-running” neglect at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Lock, of Penisaf Avenue, Towyn - admitted the offences relating to the mistreatment of seven mares and one stallion, two of which had to be put to sleep due to serious liver damage thought to be caused from the plant ragwort which is toxic to horses.

A post-mortem examination also revealed that the dead equines had internal damage caused by parasites.

(Image: RSPCA Cymru)

RSPCA Cymru had been monitoring the welfare of a number of horses, at fields off Tan-y-Fron Road in Abergele and noticed a "sharp decline" in the welfare of a number of the animals over the autumn of 2018.

Officers removed three mares and a filly from the site in October, who were found to be very underweight and have severe diarrhoea.

Three foals belonging to the mares were also removed because they were too young to come away from their mothers.

Despite this, Lock failed to meet the needs of other equines in his care and a further three mares were removed in December due to living in inappropriate, muddy conditions and appearing thin.

RSPCA inspector Jenny Anderton said: “This was a really difficult case to work on, given the repeated attempts and efforts we made to support this individual with caring for the horses.

(Image: RSPCA Cymru)

“We worked closely with World Horse Welfare to help these horses, and we’re very grateful, as always, for their support, assistance and expertise.

“Sadly, the man’s failure to provide proper care was long-running, and some of the treatment these horses endured was appalling.

“Many were very thin, and living in wholly inappropriate muddy conditions. Others were struggling with severe diarrhoea and urgently needed help.

“Owning equines should be a privilege – but despite repeated warnings and attempts of help, this individual repeatedly failed to give the equines the care they so desperately needed.



"I hope this incident highlights to people how important it is to give equines appropriate treatment for parasites, be vigilant against the toxic plant ragwort as well as consulting your vet at the first sign of any illness.

(Image: RSPCA Cymru)

"Horses have complex needs, are expensive to keep properly and time-consuming to look after.

"I would urge anyone considering taking on a horse to ensure they have the necessary financial means and specialist knowledge before they do so."

In addition to the 10 year ban Lock was handed a curfew and ordered to pay a contribution of £250 towards costs.

World Horse Welfare worked with the RSPCA in helping the horses involved in this case.