A MONMOUTH-based horse charity has called on magistrates everywhere to confiscate animals from any owner found guilty of mistreating them.

Alasdair MacGregor, one of the trustees of the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies, based at Coxstone, St Maughans, spoke out after one owner, successfully prosecuted for cruelty last week by the RSPCA, was allowed to claim back his three-year-old mare.

The pony was taken from Gelli Gaer Common a year ago by the RSPCA. The inspector, Edwina Davidson, told Merthyr magistrates it was in a very thin condition when she collected it.

The owner, Royston Stanley Thomas, of Bogey Street, Mountain Hare, Merthyr Tydfil, denied neglect but was found guilty and ordered to pay the RSPCA compensation of £2,500.

Elin Thomas, of the RSPCA, said they always requested magistrates to make an order confiscating the pony, but on this occasion the magistrates had said they did not believe it would happen again and they would now have to return the pony.

Mr MacGregor said: "A lot of people will be very angry if the RSPCA does not appeal against the magistrates' decision not to confiscate the animal.

"All horse welfare organisations agree that there must be no second chance for those convicted of cruelty. In no case should any animal be returned to owners who have neglected or abused it.

"A fine makes it more difficult for owners to be able to afford proper care for other animals, so the only satisfactory penalty is confiscation."

The society made national headlines about seven years ago when they refused to hand back a pony named Target after the owner had been convicted of cruelty. They took the case to Pontypool county court and a judge ordered the owner to hand over the pony to the society.

Ms Thomas said the RSPCA would not be appealing against the magistrates' order because they could only appeal on a point of law.

But she added: "This case highlights the fact that people who have animals on common ground still have responsibility for their care.

"Our inspector will be looking at Mr Thomas' premises to ensure the husbandry is up to standard before the pony is returned to him."

PICTURED: Helen Freeman, head girl at the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies.