Scottish SPCA inspectors vetoed a potential new owner for ponies at the centre of a Mearns animal cruelty case.
The block emerged as a sheriff gave a local woman a final chance to re-home 11 animals before the 30-year-old is finally sentenced on the matter.
Donna Parley, of Croft Place, St Cyrus, previously admitted causing a pony unnecessary suffering between January and February 2014 at Jackston Farm by failing to provide timeous and appropriate care.
Forfar Sheriff Court previously heard a tip-off to the animal welfare charity led SSPCA inspectors to the scene.
There they found the listless animal with pruritic skin and a gastrointestinal infection.
When the lice-infected and emaciated pony was examined, an officer could feel the underweight animal’s spine through its matted coat.
It was standing in the back of a horse box with its head down and its back end covered in wet excrement.
The court previously heard that Parley had bought the animal in a poor condition for just £5 two months prior to the SSPCA inquiry.
Parley had been treating the pony for worms and pneumonia, but she could not afford to pay for the required level of veterinary care.
The offence was earlier described as “an error of judgment” on the part of the animal-loving accused.
At the latest calling of the case in Forfar, defence lawyer Lynne Sturrock said that following a visit by a senior SSPCA inspector to the farm last week matters had moved on.
However, one suggested individual who had been due to take on some of the animals will no longer be involved,
She said six have been moved to a new home in the north east.
The remaining five have not been removed because of transport issues, but four are due to be taken away soon.
Arrangements have also been made to place the last remaining pony with a new owner.
“The animals that remain are in a good state of health at present,” said Ms Sturrock.
The court also previously heard that Parley has kept animals all her life and any disqualification would have an exceptionally detrimental effect on the accused.
“Discussions have taken place with the SSPCA and although they were not persuaded that one person was able to look after them, they have said they will keep in touch (with the new owner).
“It is a large number of animals and a large responsibility for someone to take on but one final continuation of the case will allow that to happen.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio said: “I will allow one further week for arrangements to be made for all the animals to be moved to other locations.
“We are still not quite there yet.”