A PENSIONER who neglected 11 ponies -- found near rotting carcasses around a moorland farm in Stacksteads -- could go to jail.

The animals were starving, emaciated, had worms and lice and two were in such a bad state they were days from death.

The ponies, two belonging to the grandchildren of farmer John Askew, 69, were taken away from land at Heights Farm, Rooley Moor Road, and nursed back to health in a near £150,000 RSPCA rescue operation, Burnley magistrates heard.

Askew, of Hammerton Green, Bacup, yesterday admitted 11 counts of cruelty. Seven further similar allegations were dismissed.

His case was adjourned until May 16, for pre-sentence reports and the bench told the defendant they were considering prison.

Michael Cheetham, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told the court the ponies were found on or around last March 16. An inspector attended and found two pony carcasses in a field.

He went back the next day with another inspector, a police officer and a vet and discovered several more dead animals, one with its hind quarters missing, and too badly decomposed for a post mortem examination.

Mr Cheetham said 16 live ponies and some cattle were in a field. The vet was concerned about the majority of the ponies as they appeared to be in a very bad condition.

Askew arrived shortly after, was cautioned, arrested and taken to Burnley Police Station.

The prosecutor said the ponies were taken to either the International League for the Protection of Horses in Blackpool or HAPPA in Burnley. Mr Cheetham said all the ponies were suffering from parasitism and malnutrition.

All the animals were treated with wormers, lice powder and antibiotics and had injections for lice infestation.

The prosecutor added boarding fees for the ponies, plus vets' treatment and the court proceedings had cost the RSPCA £139,653.

Anthony Shimmin, defending, said the case was a body blow to Askew who had farmed for more than 30 years.

He added that Askew had spent a great deal of money throughout the winter in providing for the animals but they got parasites, could not take their food properly and became emaciated.