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A Crookwell man who left his horse to starve, forcing RSPCA officers to humanely destroy the animal, has been convicted of an animal cruelty charge in court.
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Scott Miners, 44, did not contest the charge in Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday after his white gelded pony 'Jasper' was put down on January 25, 2021 having been seized by the RSPCA from a Cooma property.
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The pony was found to be severely emaciated with symptoms of long-term starvation and large swelling and infection of the jaw, court documents said.
However it wasn't the first time the animal had presented with symptoms, having been inspected by the RSPCA on a property in Pejar, near Crookwell, on January 7 and found to be emaciated with swelling on the jaw visible.
The next day Miners was ordered to seek veterinary assessment and treatment for Jasper and that the animal was not to be transported in its current condition.
But by January 11 that assessment still hadn't been sought and Miners' estranged wife Alesha Miners relocated the horse to a Cooma property.
Miners admitted in an interview with police on January 20 that he held fears for the horse since before Christmas but didn't seek treatment.
Jasper was then seized and euthanized after being taken to a vet where his condition was deemed untreatable with advanced dental disease found alongside the previous ailments.
Miners' lawyer Matt Adam said his client had "a love for animals", having worked as a shearer for over 30 years.
He argued that Miner had often travelled away for work but had left adequate food and water for the horse.
Despite saying Miners "accepts responsibility", Mr Adam asked for leniency and discretion regarding a conviction.
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie was blunt in her reprimand of Miners, saying he had failed in his role as an owner.
"As an owner you have lots of care responsibilities," she told the court.
"It's relying on you to get proper veterinary care but you didn't do any of those things. It is serious and a matter you can go to jail for."
Miners was convicted and fined $1000. He is also banned from owning or caring for animals in the future.
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