Today, Wednesday 17th December, at Swaffham Magistrates Court, Norfolk, Clonus Jones, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a yearling piebald colt in his possession.

Jones, of Shelfanger Road, Diss changed his plea from not guilty to guilty only minutes prior to the hearing at which he was convicted. The Magistrates did not accept any of his mitigating circumstances concerning the horse and sentencing was deferred until 14 January 2004.

Following a call to the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) concerning the welfare of a pony in Diss, ILPH Field Officer Jonathon (Jacko) Jackson and Inspector Mark Neopold of the RSPCA visited the area to investigate. In Sandy Lane, Diss they found a badly emaciated coloured colt tethered around the neck by a an old car seat belt.

Says Jacko Jackson, "The youngster was in an appalling condition and barely able to stand. Not long after we reached him he collapsed due to this weak state and the constriction of the seat belt around his neck.

Continues Jacko, "Sadly the youngster is no longer alive as Mr Jones insisted his vet put him down, contrary to the wishes of those present, rather than surrender him to us."

www.ilph.org

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