A man has been banned from keeping ponies after admitting to causing two Shetland ponies unnecessary suffering.
Keith Ritchie, 65, of Maidencraig Place, Aberdeen, pleaded guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to failing to provide the necessary veterinary treatment his ponies required for their severely overgrown hooves - which would have been causing them discomfort and pain.
Scottish SPCA chief inspector John Carle said: "We are pleased Ritchie has been banned from keeping animals for life as he has demonstrated that he is unfit to provide an animal with the most basic care and attention it needs.
"The farrier who examined his two ponies concluded that they had not received treatment in excess of a year, if ever.
"The worst case was in the chestnut stallion, who was extremely lame and showing signs of the potentially fatal disease, laminitis.
"Thankfully the ponies were signed over into the care of World Horse Welfare, where they received the farrier treatment they required."
Ritchie was also fined £750.
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