Abused houses sent from Cornwall to Buckinghamshire

The animals were transported to the Thames Valley after a concerned member of the public noticed the creatures were noticeably ‘malnourished’ in Par.

During a sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court on February 29, the farmyard animals had been described as ‘severely underweight with overgrown hooves, serious lice infestation, alopecia, worm burden, and viral conjunctivitis.’

Darth Vader when he arrived at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary (Image: The Horse Trust)

James Baker, 55, and Sarah Baker, 33, from Par, admitted six counts of causing unnecessary suffering to horses, ponies, a donkey and a goat.

Darren Laker, 46, also from Par, admitted one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a horse.

The Bakers received a jail term of nine months for each count, suspended for two years, whilst Laker was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust says: “We are pleased to be able to support The Mare and Foal Sanctuary by providing forever homes to nine of the horses and ponies rescued and support the next stage of their recovery journey.

'Olaf' and 'Sven' have a snack in Penn (Image: The Horse Trust)

“The mini herd of Shetlands have captured everyone’s hearts here at our sanctuary and we are working incredibly hard to make sure their trust in people continues to grow so that we can give them the best potential future.

“It’s always incredibly gratifying when charities can work together collaboratively to get the best outcome for the animals we care about.”

The creatures spent a year in the care of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, due to capacity issues on site, before nine of the 13 horses and ponies moved into the permanent specialist care of The Horse Trust in the Southeast of England.

Both charities are members of the National Equine Welfare Council and provide expert lifelong care to equines in need.