Mexborough and Swinton Times – Saturday 21 May 1904
Cruelty to Pony
Joseph Hawley, a Mexboro’ pony driver, was summoned for cruelly kicking a pony at Conisboro’, on the 5th May.
Defendant’s father appeared.
Mr. Gichard said that the defendant was charged with cruelty kicking a pony, in the manner on the 5th May.
On the 4th May, in consequence of the pony, the defendant was in charge of the pony.
The pony was used about the legs, instructions were given to the corporal in charge of the pony drivers in that section where the defendant worked, to keep a sharp look out.
On the 5th May he observed the defendant kick the animal, which was afterwards found to be suffering from 20 bruises on its legs, showing that the defendant, whose charge the pony was, in a state of very badly ill-treated it.
The animal was off work a week.
Louis Calladine, a corporal at the Denaby pit, gave evidence corroborating Mr. Gichard’s statement.
The defendant was wearing clogs at the time he kicked the pony.
John Guest, horse-keeper, gave evidence as to the pony’s condition.
The Chairman said it was a serious offence, and the ill-treatment of the pony had evidently been continuous.
The defendant would be fined 40s. including the costs.