Emaciated ponies and horse euthanised after being found with open sores by Scottish SPCA inspector

An equestrian owner has been handed a five-year ban after she left her ponies and horse so malnourished that they had to be put down.

Mhairi Wilkinson, from Peebles, admitted not feeding her two ponies, Tilly and Cara, and horse, Lady, to the point of severe starvation.

She also failed to seek medical help as their condition deteriorated.

Scottish SPCA officers found the animals in filthy conditions in February 2025, following a tip-off to the animal charity’s helpline.

Inspectors found two animals standing in a wet, muddy field with no food available, while one pony was confined to a small, urine-soaked pen within a shed with no access to clean and dry bedding.

An examination by a vet found each animal had open skin sores and hair loss across their bodies and their coat was of a very poor condition.

Lady was found to have a Body Condition Score of just 0.5 out of 5, and both Tilly and Cara were just 1 out of 5, indicating extreme emaciation.

Due to their condition, all three had to be put to sleep.

Ms Wilkinson was handed a five-year ban from owning horses or ponies and also fined £750.

A SSPCA inspector said: “She showed a complete disregard for her animals’ welfare.

“She failed to meet the most basic welfare needs of her horse and ponies, causing them considerable and prolonged suffering.

“What is particularly concerning is that throughout this case, she appeared unable or unwilling to recognise the harm she had caused, showing no real understanding of the seriousness of her neglect and taking no responsibility for her actions.

“These horses endured significant pain and distress that no animal should ever have to experience.”