The owner of the animals, Tony Barrett, is on trial for animal cruelty charges.
In two separate incidents in January, frozen animals were found at Barrett's property. Investigators on Jan. 6 found five cows, two sheep and a goat frozen solid — but kept with living animals in a series of sheds on Barrett's property.
Nine days later, investigators returned to find Barrett was still not giving the animals a minimum standard of care.
A regional veterinarian broke down in tears during her testimony this week, describing "Daisy" as the most emaciated horse she had ever seen.
The pony was euthanized along with 13 other animals.
Dr. Penney Power said Barrett's animals were living in filth and garbage in sheds with holes in the walls and floors with dangerous nails poking through the walls.
They had no water and their only food was Barrett's straw-like hay, she explained.
The vet said the animals were so underweight they had no insulation against the sub-zero temperatures, and many were sleeping in the snow.
Both Penney and the provincial pathologist testified the animals starved.
Two of Barrett's friends testified in his defence, saying they helped the farmer feed and care for the animals and they looked fine.
Barrett, who does not live on the farm, blamed cold weather, a poor pasture and sub-standard hay which he cut himself.
The vet said the hay had no nutritional value.
He also stated in the past he planned on killing the animals, so there was "no reason to whack a lot into them."
Barrett is expected to take the stand when his trial continues on Monday.
(CBC - Dec 18, 2014)
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