The little black and white pony was discovered after Fermanagh and Omagh District Council received a complaint on May 16 from a concerned member of the public, who was worried that its feet had overgrown. 

Last month, an animal welfare officer for the Council, Karen Kerr-George, gave evidence to Enniskillen Magistrates Court that the pony was located on a patch of land on Old Junction Road, which was part-building site and unsuitable for grazing. 

After making enquiries, the welfare officer said the land had been recently sold and the previous owner said they did not own the pony. Further enquiries with the estate agent revealed the land now belonged to D2 Enterprises, however they too said they did not own the pony. 

The owner of the pony, which was in otherwise good condition but its feet were overgrowing and turning in, has never been identified. 

The Council had applied for a disposal order for the pony. District Judge Nigel Broderick asked what this would mean for its fate. When the welfare officer told him they would now be seeking, and were hopeful of finding, a new home for the pony, Judge Broderick said he had no hesitation in granting the order. 

However the Council has since confirmed that the outcome for the animal has not proved to be a happy one. A spokesman told the Herald: “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council secured a Disposal Order in relation to a black and white Shetland pony seized in the Irvinestown area.

“As part of normal operations in relation to animal welfare cases and the re-homing of animals, the Animal Welfare service contacted a number of registered sanctuaries who take in animals at risk. 

In the absence of the owner, it was difficult to ascertain the general health of the pony when it was taken into care. Sadly before the pony could be rehomed to a charity the pony died; with the Council’s vet determining it died of natural causes.”