A local woman has been found not guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a child's pony.

Footage, recorded in 2021 by the Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs, showed Sarah Moulds of Cottesmore Hunt, allegedly kicking and punching a pony.

The pony, Bruce Almighty, allegedly took off, prompting Mrs Moulds to chastise the animal. Mrs Moulds claimed that the incident lasted only a few seconds, but an equine vet, and the RSPCA, said that the horse had been attempting to get away and suffered physically and mentally.

This prompted the RSPCA to bring a private prosecution against the former teacher.

She was charged in January 2022 with two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

As a result of the footage, Mrs Moulds lost her job as a primary school teacher and received death threats.

She was, on Friday, cleared of the charges.