Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 01 August 1890
Cruelty to Pit Ponies at Denaby
Patrick Manion, pony driver, was charged with having ill-treated a pony in the Denaby Main Colliery on the 14th duly.
Mr. Hickmott prosecuted and said that on the 11th, a deputy named Silas Schofield, saw the defendant who was wearing clogs kick the pony under the belly. When examined a lump as big as a walnut was found. There were also other lumps on the animals legs which appeared to have been cause, by kicks .
Silas Schofield gave evidence corroborating Mr. Hickmott’s statement.
John Guest, horsekeeper, at Denaby, said the pony was all right when it left the stable in the morning, but when it was brought back there were several lumps on its hind legs and also on the side of its belly.
Mr. Hickmott said the defendant had been up before for an offence of that description, and in default of paying a fine he was sent to prison. In consideration of the fact that defendant’s father had gone away, and that he (the defendant) was the main support his mother, another job was found for him. Defendant would now lose his situation, and the company did not press the case.
Fined 2s 6d and costs
James Calagan, aged 19, was summoned fur cruelly ill-treating a pony by striking it with an iron locker on the 17th duly.
James Leech, corporal, employed at the Denaby Main Colliery, said on the 17th July, about six o’clock in the evening he was at the top of 53 jenny, when he saw the defendant in charge of pony called Jonathan. He had fastened the animal to some empty corves, and because it did not stop when told defendant struck it two re three times with an iron locker. Witness told him he would be reported for such conduct and he replied. ” I don’t care a —.”
Arthur Whitehouse corroborated the evidence of the last witness.
Defendant denied that he hit the pony with the locker.
John Guest, horsekeeper, proved finding a lump as big as a walnut on the pony’s shoulder.
Mr. Hickmott said the colliery company believed the lad had previously been kind to the pony he had hitherto borne a good character.
A fine of 10s. and costs was imposed.