Geoffrey Williams of Aberbran, Brecon, was fined £1,000 after pleading guilty to an animal welfare offence for dragging a young pony behind a vehicle as a method to “break in ponies.” The RSPCA presented video evidence showing the pony being pulled by a quad vehicle, causing distress, fear, and risk of physical injury. A veterinary expert stated that such fearful experiences could cause lasting physical harm and lifelong fear of handling for the pony.

Williams admitted to using this outdated and inappropriate training method but acknowledged that he had not repeated the behavior as training practices have evolved. In addition to the fine, he was ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £400 surcharge. The RSPCA emphasized that equine training should be conducted with kind, ethical, and science-based methods by qualified professionals, focusing on calm, consistent, and reward-based handling.