Source:  Various

The two men in Queensland, Australia, who had been charged with animal cruelty for dragging a Shetland pony behind a car, have been sentenced.  Both men pled guilty to the charges.  

The 33-year-old father, Christopher Cook, was given a three-month suspended jail sentence and the conviction will appear on his record.  His son, Zachery Hudson, age 17, was given two years probation, and the conviction will not appear on his record.  Each man was ordered to pay Au$3,820 to compensate the veterinary hospital which saved the pony's life.

The incident, which had several witnesses, took place on Christmas day, 2010.  The men tied a rope around the pony's neck, and drove off with the pony running  to try to keep up with the automobile.  The pony slid on the pavement and was dragged until one of the witnesses confronted the pair.  The son, who had been holding the rope, then let go and they drove off.

They were charged in court on March 2 at which time they told the court that they had lost their family home in the Queensland flooding.  They did not make a plea at that time because their attorney was unable to appear with them.

The pony, who was named Elf by the RSPCA, was in very serious condition following the incident.  His hooves were severely damaged as well as joints in both his front and rear legs.  The treating veterinarians considered euthanizing him, but the pony managed to survive.  He will be adopted by an organization which works with young people.

The RSPCA spokesman  expressed disappointment in the sentences.  However, because of this case, which received a great deal of attention, legislation is in the works to increase the punishment for animal cruelty.

The men had asked the court for leniency, both because they had lost their home and because they had not meant to hurt the pony.  Apparently no explanation was requested or offered for what they had intended to do with the pony or where they had gotten him.  

The men said they would have to leave the area because they have been harassed about what they had done.