A Garnant farmer who claimed traditional farming methods caused the death of four horses and a ram at his farm will be sentenced at Llanelli magistrates later this month.

Andrew Paul Thomas, of Gwyndwngwyn Farm, pleaded guilty to seven charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Prosecutor Jonathan Tarrant told the court that on February 10, an RSPCA inspector visited the 36-year-old's farm following reports of a dead pony on his land.

Mr Tarrant described the farm as "extremely hazardous" with some animals in poor condition and others found dead.

"The RSPCA inspector was escorted around the farm by Thomas," said Mr Tarrant.

"In one field the inspector found a dead colt, in another a dead pony, and in another the carcass of a dun pony and a dead ram.

"On further investigation the inspector checked a barn which contained a horse whose back bones were protruding. It also had an infected parasitic burn on its back."

Such was the condition of the horse, the inspector immediately summoned a vet.

"During the examination, the horse collapsed and was later put down," said Mr Tarrant.

The vet also examined the dead horses and gave the animals a conditioning score of 0.5. Horses are usually conditioned on a scale of one to five with one being poor.

The court was told that the animals had no shelter and were extremely under-nourished.

"No animal on the farm had their needs met," the inspector's report concluded.

Defence solicitor Aled Owen said the condition of the animals was due to Thomas using traditional farming methods.

"The horses in question were in poor health because they are mountain ponies and had been left to roam on the mountain from November until February," said Mr Owen.

"With more than 20 miles of land to cover it had been almost impossible for Mr Thomas to find the horses.

"On occasions he did go up the mountain and left silage for them."

Mr Owen said Thomas did not own the ram found in his field.

"He did not know it was there, but as it was on his land he accepts responsibility for it," said Mr Owen.

District Judge David Parsons adjourned sentencing for the completion of probation reports.

Thomas is due to be sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates Court on December 18.