A MUM and her son have been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to three ponies in court.

Declan Ashurst O'Shaughnessy, 24, of Bolton Road, Atherton, and Lorraine Ashurst, 53, of Cameron Street, Leigh, were both found guilty of four offences under the Animal Welfare Act which took place between January and March last year at Barlows Farm on Close Lane in Hindley.

The ponies, a Palomino mare, a chestnut gelding and a grey mare, had different injuries such as foot abscesses, laminitis and osteoarthritis which magistrates say was not addressed by the pair.

Mr Ashurst O'Shaughnessy, who has indicated that he intends to appeal the decision, has been given a 12 month community order to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from keeping any animals for five years and a deprivation order was placed on the three ponies, with a foal also born to the grey mare.

The defendant was ordered to pay £1,000 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

A warrant has been issued for Ms Ashurst's arrest so she can be sentenced.