Council may begin horse court action from scratch
20 May 2015
Despite losing a court case over the ownership of a horse, Western Isles Council insists it will keep the animal.
Stephanie Ann Noble is the owner of the adult Connemara pony -
Last year the Comhairle seized the animal on welfare grounds.
On Wednesday, a sheriff threw the council’s bid to gain ownership out of court.
The Comhairle is considering its next move but is likely to appeal Wednesday court decision against it.
Alternatively it may resubmit proper legal documents to restart the ownership action from scratch.
A council spokesman said: “Grey Lady Too was removed for welfare reasons and will remain in the care of the council.
“The decision today will delay the ultimate determination of what happens to the pony.
“Today’s hearing related to procedural matters and the council will consider the findings.
“The council continues to act in the interests of the welfare of Grey Lady Too.”
The council took away the adult pony in February last year, claiming its living conditions
for the previous two years in the front room of the ex-
Since then the council has racked up a huge bill in looking after it at stables on a different island.
Western Isles Council wants ownership of the pony with the later intention of selling it or giving it to an animal centre.
The council seized the horse from Broadbay View in Back, Lewis.