A horse trainer from the Adelaide Hills has been banned from working with horses after being sentenced over an animal cruelty offence.
Anthony Thomas was sentenced in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Friday, after being found guilty last month of striking a horse named Ted during a training session.
The court heard Thomas repeatedly hit the horse in the head with a riding helmet, with the incident captured on video and later provided to RSPCA South Australia.
Magistrate Luke Davis handed down a seven-month prison sentence, which was suspended on a three-year good behaviour bond. Thomas was also ordered to pay $19,650 in legal costs.
In addition, the court ordered that his horses be surrendered and imposed a prohibition preventing him from owning or training horses.
In sentencing, Magistrate Davis said the footage “speaks for itself” and described the incident as “disgusting, shameful behaviour”.
RSPCA South Australia’s Head of Animal Welfare Andrea Lewis said the outcome reflected the seriousness of the offence.
“Mr Thomas’ claim that striking the horse for training purposes is absurd! There is no rationale for inflicting fear and pain on an animal,” she said.
She added the case should serve as a warning to others.
“This case highlights the seriousness with which animal welfare offences are treated and reinforces that abuse towards animals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community.”
RSPCA SA said the penalty was among the most significant it had seen in recent years.
