AN AMMANFORD man who left his horses unattended for five weeks has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering.

Clifford Roy Johnson’s horses were removed by the RSPCA last year after they received reports from concerned members of the public.

Johnson, of Llandeilo, had three horses which were found to be between 20 and 30 per cent underweight, ‘riddled’ with parasites and in pain with hooves which made them lame.

A vet who examined the mares diagnosed them with starvation and said they were suffering under pain and distress.

Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard the horses were left in a field devoid of grass and did not have anywhere comfortable to stand or lie down.

Johnson, 64, has kept horses for over 20 years but explained to the court that he didn’t trust vets.

He said he was growing the horses’ hooves out ‘to level them’, had been observing them from a 300-metre distance every day and explained he was having trouble with trespassers who he believed had poisoned his horses.

Johnson said: “They seemed fine.

“I would never in my life ill-treat a horse.

“I was distraught when I saw what had happened to them.”

Finding Johnson guilty, Magistrate Mr Parry-Williams said: “You admitted not closely inspecting the horses for a number of weeks.

“The horses weighed 20 to 30 per cent less that their ideal weight; they had a chronic infestation of parasites and their hooves had made them lame.

“They suffered as a result of your neglect.”

RSPCA Inspector Barker, who attended Johnson’s property in December 2016 said the horses had been left to fend for themselves.

After the three mares were taken into RSPCA care, one sadly had to be destroyed.

Within six weeks in their care, the two remaining horses had gained 44kg and 67kg, had their hooves tended to and were free from parasites.

Johnson was found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by failing to investigate and address the causes of the poor bodily condition and weight loss; failing to properly care for and maintain necessary hoof care; and failing to carry out effective parasite control.

Johnson was granted unconditional bail until tomorrow (July 20) when he will be sentenced.