A man has been banned from keeping ponies for 10 years after World Horse Welfare found eight of his were in a terrible condition with ‘horrific’ burns all over their bodies, as a result of exposure to toxic plants and UV sunlight.
Left to illegally-graze on council-owned conservation land in Farlington, Portsmouth, contaminated with toxic plants, with no additional hay, feed, or shelter, the ponies’ lesions are believed to have been caused by a combination of direct UV sunlight and exposure to St John’s Wort.
“Certain weeds, like St John’s Wort, contain photodynamic agents that when the horse has contact or ingests the weed there is an exacerbated reaction to sunlight causing burns to the skin," says the veterinary report.
Three ponies exhibited severe facial lesions that were thick, raised, and brown, covering much of their faces, including their muzzles and around their eyes. Similar lesions were present on their bodies. The ponies appeared lethargic and displayed a dull, depressed demeanor, indicating significant distress.
"This was a truly horrific case. I do not think I have ever seen ponies with so much crocodile-like skin around their muzzles. They must have been in excruciating pain," says World Horse Welfare Field Officer Penny Baker.
The ponies were rescued after a concerned member of the public got in touch with World Horse Welfare, who then worked with RSPCA to rapidly remove the animals, as they were clearly in distress.
Veterinary tests revealed that all eight ponies were in poor health, showing signs of inflammation and chronic infection.
Worried about a horse? Here's what to do
If you're worried about a horse or any animal, first observe its behavior and condition for signs of distress or illness. If you can, contact the owner directly; they may not be aware of the issue. If the owner is unknown or unresponsive, reach out to local animal control or a veterinarian for assistance. Remember to avoid approaching the animal if it seems frightened or aggressive.
