An 80-year-old Pembrokeshire woman has been given a suspended sentence after eleven donkeys and one pony were found to be in a suffering state at a small holding.

The equines were found in a poor environment and were not having their needs met. Many of them had overgrown hooves and there were concerns for their body conditions.

Following an examination by an equine vet they were all found to be in a suffering state and the vet said they needed to be removed from the location.

Elizabeth Palmer of Llethyr-Uchaf, Mynachlogddu, Crymych attended Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on November 27 and pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

These offences were that she caused unnecessary suffering to 11 donkeys and a pony by failing to provide adequate and appropriate farrier care and she failed to take such steps that were reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure their needs were met.

On December 11 she was sentenced to 16 weeks custody (reduced from 26 weeks) suspended for 12 months and was handed a 10 year ban on all animals - with the exception of cats and dogs.

She was ordered to pay £400 costs and a £154 victim surcharge and there was a court order made for the RSPCA to return in 21 days to remove any other animals that remain on site other than cats and dogs.

In a witness statement, provided to the court from the investigating RSPCA Inspector, he said it was on March 20 he was requested by a Donkey Welfare Adviser from The Donkey Sanctuary to attend the small holding in the Crymych area.

The equine vet said that all of the donkeys needed to be removed as all had caused unnecessary suffering due to overgrown hooves, lice, dermatitis, poor body condition.

She also said that a pony was in such a suffering state that she needed to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

A consent form for this was signed by the owner who also signed the animals across to the RSPCA.

Eight of the rescued donkeys – Angel, Coco, Jack, Jane, Jenny, Toffee, Rosie and Paris – are now living in a group at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon where they have settled in very well.

They go to the gate when they hear staff passing and if anyone enters their yard they approach to enjoy a fuss. Even the more nervous Toffee has started to greet people.

Sadly, two of the donkeys had to be euthanised due to ill health and another was not fit to travel so is living in a group with similar needs at another of the charity’s facilities.

Kia Thomas, Donkey Welfare Adviser at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “When I saw the donkeys recently, I was absolutely delighted to see how different they looked from when we picked them up.

“I had not seen the group since March – and it was wonderful to see them in much better health after receiving the medical care they needed and deserved.”