AS the RSPCA announce their highest ever animal cruelty figures, one Shetland pony being rehomed in Lapford is being heralded as an example of how some animals are surviving against the odds thanks to the charity's work.

Daisy, a Shetland pony given only 72 hours to live, has been taken in by horse lover Jo Barr who works for the charity as a press officer.

Spicy, as she was previously known, was found along with 17 other horses by inspectors when they visited a farm near Wellington in October 2006.

The Taunton couple who owned the farm were banned from keeping horses for 10 years and given a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to charges of cruelty to animals. When the case was heard at Taunton Deane Magistrates in May last year, the court heard the vet who examined Spicy once she had been removed felt she was in such a bad condition that she would have died within 72 hours if she had not been rescued.

The chestnut palomino is now five years old and enjoying life with Jo in Lapford.

Jo said: “I took in another Shetland pony, Gem, a couple of years ago, so when I heard about Daisy I thought it would be nice to take in another pony for company.

“When Daisy first came she was very nervous and wary of humans, but she has gradually gained more confidence.

“I think Daisy has learnt from Gem that people can be nice.”

However, keen-rider Jo says Daisy's injuries are still so bad she will never be able to have even a small child ride her.

She said: “Her bones are growing at different rates, which means she has problems with her legs. So she is looked at by a vet on a regular basis to make sure she is not in pain.”

The latest national figures for 2007 show there has been a surge in convictions for cruelty against animals.

Convictions for cruelty to horses have continued to grow, increasing by 33 per cent between 2005 and 2006, and then by a further 13 per cent to 119 in 2007.

South and South West Regional Superintendent John Tresidder said: “These animals are the helpless victims of our throwaway society.

“They're bought on a whim and discarded when the novelty wears off. Today's must-have item quickly turns into tomorrow's cast-off.”