Rescue stories
Kirby's grip on a better future
Two people left in charge of a pony have been give a three-year conditional discharge this week at Norwich Magistrates Court for admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to the young animal.
The small pony – now named Kirby after the RSPCA inspector who saved her and living in the care of Redwings – was given a body condition rating of 0.5 by a Redwings vet, and had very little body fat with muscle wastage. Kirby, now aged 16 months, also suffered with a combination of malnutrition and parasites causing her significant intestinal damage.
Kirby when she was found - her thick woolly coat hides her very low body condition score
47 year-old Mandy Joy of Hethersett in Norfolk and her son Michael Joy, 24, of Hingham, Norfolk, had had Kirby in their care since late last year when the pony was left on their land, with their agreement, by another party. Whilst it is accepted the pony was in poor condition then, the court found that the pair did little to improve it. Other horses belonging to them were in good condition.
“In February Kirby was brought to us by the RSPCA in a sorry state,” explains Julie Harding, Redwings Regional Field Officer. “She has been receiving all the necessary treatment and has responded well plus she has gained weight by eating a proper balanced diet. She was quite nervous when she arrived but with regular handling she has now become a very confident friendly little lady. We were very touched the other day when Ben Kirby, her RSPCA inspector, came to see her in her paddock and she came straight over to greet him. She has become very loved by everyone here at Redwings.”
If Kirby is deemed suitable after her handling training, we hope that she may be able to be re-homed via our Guardianship Scheme once she is old enough.
Kirby as she looks now, grazing happily at Redwings
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