TWO farmers were banned from owning horses for five years after magistrates found them guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to ponies.

David Phillips, 70, and his nephew Arthur Phillips, 57, both of Heathcock Farm, Cwm Tysswg, Tredegar, allowed ponies to suffer due to a lack of care, and obstructed RSPCA inspectors, Abertillery magistrates court heard.

They were both convicted of two counts of causing unneccessary suffering to two ponies, and Arthur Phillips was convicted of three counts of terrifying ponies in a barn.

Magistrates heard how Phillips was seen screaming and waving his hands at three ponies in a barn, terrifying them.

The charges were brought under the Protection of Animals Act 1911.

Earlier in the week the court heard evidence from RSPCA inspectors who said Arthur Phillips used force against them when they tried to impound five of the ponies on the common near Cefn Golau cemetery in January.

RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil told the court she feared for her safety when the two farmers confronted them.

This claim was accepted by the magistrates, who said they understood why the inspectors felt compelled to call the police.

Two ponies were examined by a vet and found to be badly emaciated, and were impounded by the RSPCA.

The magistrates said the suffering to the ponies was "absolutely unnecessary. You terrified them".

They also found both defendants' evidence "very confusing and contradictory".

David Phillips was fined a total of £1,000 and Arthur Phillips a total of £500. They were both disqualified from owning equines for five years and deprived of both ponies impounded by the RSPCA.

The sentences were suspended for 21 days to allow both men to appeal. Neither commented after the case.

RSPCA inspectors Christine McNeil and Edwina Davidson said they were delighted by the outcome of the case.

"The ban and deprivation order is a great result," said Mrs Davidson.

"This ruling will help us reduce the problem of the mistreatment of ponies on common land.

"We hope this will send a strong message to other pony keepers that they have to take responsibility for their animals."