'We were alarmed' - Owner uses poor pony to travel 'long journey' to Garda station

Gardaí took swift action and seized a pony in "poor condition" after its owner used it to travel a long distance to a Garda station in Cork.

In a statement, gardaí said: "We seized this pony yesterday afternoon [Wednesday] after its owner used it to travel some distance to Anglesea Street Garda Station as they were due into the station by appointment.

"We were alarmed to see the pony's poor condition, in particular knowing that it had just been brought on a long journey to carry someone," the statement added.

"We immediately arranged that the neglected pony be assessed and receive some much needed care. This lovely animal is now with a local shelter and our investigation is ongoing."

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People on social media were horrified by the incident. One wrote: "That poor animal. Thank you for taking action. Hopefully there are no other animals in the same state in this person’s ‘care’?"

Another added: "Well done to An Garda Síochána. The poor animal is on the verge of collapse. Owner should never be allowed near the horse again."

A third said they had "no words" but thanked gardaí for intervening.