Geoffrey Williams of Aberbran, Brecon, was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay additional costs after pleading guilty to animal welfare offences for dragging a pony tied to a vehicle, an act deemed unacceptable and harmful. Videos submitted to the RSPCA showed Williams repeatedly using this outdated and cruel method to “break in” ponies, causing the animal distress, fear, and potential lasting physical and psychological harm. A veterinary expert confirmed the pony likely suffered both physical injury and lifelong fear due to the treatment.

The RSPCA emphasized that equine training should be conducted with kindness, ethical practices, and science-based methods by qualified professionals, advocating for calm, consistent, and reward-focused handling. Williams acknowledged that his methods were outdated and stated he had not repeated the behavior. The case highlights the importance of modern, humane approaches to animal care and training.