A pony that was kept in a field with others in the Brecon Beacons had to be shot following concerns for its welfare.
The pony, which was shot around four weeks ago, is one of three "section A" Welsh mountain ponies to have died in the field next to the A470 in Libanus over what is thought to be the last seven weeks - although exact dates are unclear.
An officer from the animal welfare charity RSPCA Cymru and a vet attended the pony, which was the second to die, as it was reported to be "unable to stand" and "very distressed" according to local people who said the horse was then euthanised.
The villagers in Libanus, near Brecon who have been feeding the ponies a mix of scrap vegetables and pony nuts, have said they are concerned for the welfare of the remaining horses, which are understood to be privately owned.
Resident say that the nine ponies, which are left from the original 12, includes eight mares - of which three are thought to be pregnant - and one stallion who have been left in the same field.
One village, who did not want to be named, said: "They’re covered in bald patches, they have matted fur, if you looks at their hoofs they look like the hoofs on the donkeys that you see on the donkey rescue adverts."
A spokeswoman from RSPCA Cymru said the charity was unable to comment on the case but that she could confirm it had received calls about the ponies in Libanus.
The small horses have also been discussed by the Glyn Tarell Community Council in Libanus that has agreed that the best course of action is to contact the owners to have the ponies removed.
The minutes of the meeting on Tuesday, April 17, said that the horses were "not being fed" and that one "had to be put down".
For the full story, read this week’s edition of The Brecon & Radnor Express.