A TYCROES man has been ordered to pay more than £600 after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to horses.

Nigel Jeremy Nicholas Ward appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on May 23.

The 61-year-old, of Ceidrim Court Farm, admitted one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to three horses, failing to address their poor condition.

The court heard that back in January, in the Mountain Road area of Glanaman, concerns were raised about the welfare of three horses, with the defendant causing unnecessary suffering to them by failing to adequately explore and address their poor condition.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “It was very clear that these three horses’ needs were not being met.

“They were in a poor condition and were noticeably thin.

“The field they were being kept in was totally unsuitable and they were very exposed from the mountain side.”

The three horses were seen by a specialist vet at the location.

Despite remaining under the care of the vet, one of the horses, a tri-coloured horse, was unable to be saved and died.

The court heard in mitigation that the horses had had foals which caused a drop in their condition and the defendant thought the field would be sufficient for them.

He admitted this had been a bad decision and also accepted misjudging the weather.

The court also heard that he attended every day but after 14 days it became clear that they were losing condition.

Magistrates imposed a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement - which forms part of a 24-month community order.

Ward was also handed a £207 fine and ordered to pay £400 in costs.

One of the horses was also subject to a deprivation order.

The court heard that since the incident, Ward has been able to rehome half of the horses which were in his care.