Three foals were found to be in an emaciated state, with bones showing through their skin, when an RSPCA inspector visited a farm near Bridgnorth, a court heard today.

The foals had been kept outside in cold weather, were infested with worms and had little to eat, Telford Magistrates Court was told.

Charles Albert Davies, 57, of Woodend Farm, Highley, denies three charges of failing to provide horses with adequate diets and three of failing to provide adequate parasite control.

Mr Paul Taylor, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said the foals and five other horses were out in cold weather with no coverings.

They only had straw and hay to eat and after the larger horses had eaten there was little left for the foals, he said.

The court heard the foals had worms which were damaging their intestines.

“The suffering could have been alleviated by appropriate diet and worming control,” Mr Taylor said.

He said the charges arose out of a visit to the farm by RSPCA inspector Paul Seddon.

Vet David Martin was called to examine the animals and found their condition to be poor.

Mr Taylor said there were eight horses together in a field including three foals.

Mr Martin found their skin was tight around the pelvis and over the ribs and the backbone sharp. He said he could feel the ribs, pelvis and spine.

During an interview, Davies denied having any responsibility for the horses. He described the animals’ condition as poor but said it was not up to him to look after them.

The trial continues.