Amy Mathieson, H&H news writer

14 August, 2009

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A pony has been severely burnt after she was set alight in a field in Nottinghamshire.

Four-year-old grey Welsh pony Baby Boo was found by her owner at 6.30pm on Sunday 9 August in her field off Mill Lane in Stapleford.

She had burns to her rump and had broken through a metal gate in an attempt to escape.

Police believe she was covered with petrol before being set alight.

The pony was taken to a specialist veterinary hospital to treat the burns and will remain there for at least two weeks.

The RSPCA and Nottinghamshire police are now appealing for information.

"This was a horrific and calculated attack," said RSPCA inspector Sarah Gardner. "I can't imagine what sort of people would be capable of doing this, but clearly we need to find out who they are to prevent them from attacking other animals."

Anyone with information should telephone the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or Nottinghamshire police on 0115 9670999.

Ruth Loney

22 May, 2009 http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/283112.html

A horse has been stoned to death in a vicious attack at Craigavon Lakes in County Armagh Northern Ireland last weekend.

Witnesses saw two men pull the animal into the water on Saturday 16 May before stoning it and leaving it to die in the water.

The killing has been condemned by the Northern Ireland Horse Board (NIHB) which has 3,200 registered horse breeders.

A police diving team raised the horse's body from the lake just after 6.30pm on Saturday.

Security staff in the area reported the incident to police on Saturday evening after they being contacted by a local woman who had witnessed the savage attack. Police took the horse's body away for further examination.

NIHB chairman David Kirkpatrick is disgusted with the killing.

"This is unbelievable, we have an obligation to care for our animals," he said. "In my opinion, anyone undertaking or subscribing to this type of activity must be utterly condemned and should be prosecuted.

"The NIHB is aware that the current recession is having a significant effect on the equestrian industry as has been previously reported with other unsavoury stories, but this one is surely the worst that we have heard of."

Many coloured horses run loose in the Craigavon area and are believed to be owned by local travellers.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity or has any information is asked to contact Lurgan detectives on 0845 600 8000.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

5:20pm Wednesday 15th April 2009 - http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/rossendale/4293152.Shire_horse_foal_shot_on_remote_Rossendale_farm/

A SEVEN-month-old prize-winning foal was shot in the face by a sadistic intruder at a remote East Lancashire farm, police have revealed.

Young shire horse Cara was being sheltered by her mother when it is believed she was blasted with a shotgun at close range, at Buckhurst Farm, near Ramsbottom.

The marksman broke into a secure compound at the isolated complex, in Buckhurst Road, before approaching Cara’s stable.

Veterinary experts fear the foal, which was exhibited recently at the prestigious Peterborough Show, may be left with long-term breathing and feeding difficulties.

Police are hoping that ramblers, mountain bikers or riders might hold the key to the burglar’s identity after neighbours did not report any suspicious activity around the time of the attack, overnight on Thursday and Friday.

The site, which is also popular as a petting farm, is in a relatively isolated location and is only accessible along narrow country lanes.

Det Sgt Nikki Bithell, of Rossendale CID, said: “This was a heinous crime which has left a defenceless animal with horrific injuries.

“The motive for the attack is not known as this stage but we are following up several lines of enquiry.

“We believe that this was an isolated attack, and other horse owners are at risk.”

The foal is being treated at Liverpool University’s veterinary hospital and farm managers are anxiously waiting to hear about Cara’s condition.

Sgt Bithell said: “I am appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the attack to come forward.

“We need to catch the person responsible for this terrible atrocity which has left this foal maimed.

“Its trust of humans will, without doubt, be affected, possibly for life.”

People with any information are being asked to call Rossendale CID on 01706 237347 or alternatively, to call Crimestoppers, in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Horse dies from its injuries after attack

by JAMES BRINDLE http://www.uttoxeteradvertiser.co.uk/uttoxeteradvertiser/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=408271

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an ‘absolutely appalling’ attack on a beloved horse that subsequently died from his injuries.

It is thought the 10-year-old Welsh pony was struck over the head with a blunt instrument, possibly a crowbar, on the night of Friday into Saturday morning in Denstone.

The horse died on Monday, April 6, after deteriorating rapidly over the weekend and vets believe the horse suffered brain damage and was blinded in one eye as a result of the apparent attack.

Owner Sally Von Tienen, who has cared for the pony called Bobby for nine years along with her 16-year-old daughter Olivia at their farm in College Road, has been left devastated by the incident.

She told The Advertiser that whoever carried out the attack on the much loved horse must be ‘inhumane’.

She said: "He was such a lovely, sweet pony. He really trusted people and probably would have stood still as the attack was carried out. He would never hurt anyone. Whoever did this is a coward.

"It is just so sad. It has affected everyone quite profoundly including the people who came out from the police and the vet. I have kept horses all my life and I just couldn’t ever see something like this happening.

"These people must live beyond the normal boundaries to do something like this. Bobby didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He was such a sweet little pony."

Mrs Von Tienen, 54, also told The Advertiser that her other horses all did there best to try and help the wounded pony after the attack.

She said: "One of our mares stood over him after it happened to look after him. Some of the horses also licked his face to try and help. It was lovely."

Sgt Chris Hutton and Sgt Fiona Davis from Uttoxeter Police attended the farm and Sgt Hutton told The Advertiser it was a ‘horrific incident’.

He said: "The wound went in just over an inch and it does look like it could be something like the chisel end of a crowbar that has done it.

"In the opinion of the vet it was not natural causes or that the horse had hurt itself. It’s certainly suspicious.

"It is absolutely appalling. I can’t think of any reason why anyone would do that."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information should contact Sgt Fiona Davis at Uttoxeter Police on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police believe Peanuts was attacked deliberately

A knife attack on a pregnant horse in Oxfordshire has been described as a "nasty and callous act" by police.

The mare, called Peanuts, was cut with a sharp knife near her stomach and behind her back legs.

The attack happened at Coleshill near Faringdon sometime between 1800 GMT on 5 March and 0800 GMT on 6 March.

Both the mare and foal survived the attack. Officers are appealing for witnesses and are urging horse owners to be vigilant.

Revenge theory

Owner, Paul Tapner, said: "The vet thinks it's a deliberate act because it's not an injury she'd have picked up in the field.

"The police think it could be someone out for revenge, but none of us can think of anyone we've upset.

"The police have said it could be the start of a spate of things because in the past, when this sort of thing happens, it tends to happen to more than one horse in a region, which is slightly worrying."

PC Louise Russell, said: "This is a nasty, callous act where a horse has been deliberately injured.

"I appeal to anyone who might have seen suspicious activity in the area to contact me and urge horse owners to be aware that this incident has happened and to take extra care of their horses at this time."

RSPCA inspectors believe the horse was probably kept in a field

The body of a young pony has been found by the roadside in Surrey with her throat cut and legs bound with rope.

RSPCA inspectors said the pony was probably killed elsewhere before being dumped at the junction of Silkmore Lane and Ripley Lane, in West Horsley.

The bay coloured filly, which had a white marking on her head and white feet, was underweight.

Insp Michelle Hare said: "It is likely that whoever allowed her to get into this state decided to finish her off."

'Barbaric killing'

She said: "Although there was some blood where the body was found, I would have expected more if the pony had been killed there.

"So she was probably killed elsewhere and then her feet were tied together to make it easier to move her.

"She was probably dumped from either a lorry or a trailer," she said.

It is thought the pony was aged between nine and 10 months old, and that she may have been kept in a field rather than in a stable, as she had a very woolly coat.

'No excuse'

The RSPCA was alerted by a member of the public on Thursday.

It is urging anyone who recognises the pony, or who may have noticed a lorry or similar vehicle parked at the side of the road, to come forward with information.

Insp Hare said: "There is never any excuse for treating an animal in such a barbaric way.

"If people have ponies which they are struggling to care for, for whatever reason, then help and advice is available from a number of organisations, including the RSPCA."

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal faces a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

AT least eight horses have died following a fire at a stables in Chertsey on Sunday.

An 18-year-old man has admitted his part in the killing of two Shetland ponies belonging to a nursing home. Daniel Walker, from Dodington, Whitchurch, Shropshire, admitted two firearms charges and being involved in the deaths of the ponies in May. A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has already admitted similar charges. Walker was remanded in custody at Shrewsbury Crown Court. The ponies, named Bill and Bert, had lived at Edgeley House for 14 years.

A PREGNANT mare could lose its foal after suffering injuries in a case of animal cruelty in Wolverley.

The incident happened in a field on Wolverley Road, near the junction with Sion Hill, last Thursday afternoon, thought to be shortly before 5.45pm.

It is believed the offenders rode the pregnant mare and tried to force her to jump an old tin bath. It is thought the cob, called Millie, refused to jump and fell into the bath, injuring herself.

She cut a vein in her leg and also suffered a puncture wound to her neck, as well as bruising on her rear, consistent with being hit forcefully.

The horse is being treated by a vet and is expected to recover, although it is feared she might lose her foal. It is thought some of the bruising she suffered might have happened a couple of days before the incident with the bath.

Millie is owned by Kate and Graham Jones, who have contacted the RSPCA. The couple are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

Mr Jones said: “What is most upsetting is that whoever did this just walked away and left her bleeding and in pain. If I hadn’t checked on her soon after she might have bled to death.

“They could have made an anonymous telephone call to alert someone that there was an injured horse.”

Mrs Jones added: “While we were waiting for the vet to come, there were puddles of blood in Millie’s stable.

“She has a beautiful temperament and has a very gentle nature but she was very traumatised. Although she has calmed down over the weekend, we just hope this incident has not affected her permanently.”

Mrs Jones said it would have taken at least two people to have moved the bath and they could tell someone had tried to jump Millie over it from the hoof marks.

PC Kay Fillmore, of West Mercia Constabulary, said: “While this incident is officially recorded as criminal damage, it was an appalling act of cruelty.

“The rider or riders also placed themselves in considerable danger by riding the horse bareback and attempting to make her jump the tin bath.

“They may well have been hurt themselves when the horse fell and we are appealing for anyone with information about someone who came home that day with unexplained injuries to contact us.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC Fillmore at Stourport Police Station on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Three horses were whipped and another had its mane cut off at stables in Thorpe St Andrew.

Two stables were also set alight by suspected arsonists at the property in Bungalow Lane.

Witnesses are being asked to come forward after the animal cruelty and suspected arson, which happened at some point between last Thursday at 11pm and Friday at 8.40pm.

Two stables had been burnt down, a fence post had been pulled up and a barbed wire fence had also been cut.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Rachel Cork, said: "This was an apparently unprovoked attack and our enquiries are continuing. Any incident involving cruelty to animals will be taken seriously and we are liaising closely with the RSPCA. "

"Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity prior to or after the incident should please get in touch with us."

Any witnesses should contact PC Wayne Simmons at Sprowston Police Station on 0845 456 4567 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police hunt culprits who cut off Part of Filly's mane and tail

A Moray horse owner has condemned attackers who cut parts of the mane and tail off his filly.

Two-year-old Lucky Lady, a former reserve champion at Keith Show, was in a field with her mother and several other horses when she was attacked.

The top of the horse's tail was chopped off, with part of her mane.

Lucky Lady was none the worse for her ordeal yesterday but owner Albert Anderson said he was disgusted with the perpetrators.

Mr Anderson, known as Albie, said: "The horse is really friendly with people and has such a good nature."

"I don't know who could have done this to an animal. It is a shame that some people are like this." Mr Anderson, of Nicholl Street, Elgin, added: "I just hope that they catch those responsible and charge them."

The other horses in the field were untouched.

The incident comes just days after a horse was killed in Moray last week.

Henry, a 25-year-old thoroughbred, was found dead in a field near Birnie. Police are not linking the two incidents at this stage.

Mr Anderson's field lies beside the busy A96 between Elgin and Inverness, and officers are appealing to motorists who saw anything suspicious between 6pm on Wednesday and 8.30am on Thursday.

A police spokesman said: "The field where the incident occurred is adjacent to the A96, opposite the Eight Acres Hotel, Elgin, and passing vehicles would have a clear view of the field."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 600 5700, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

There have been a number of occurrences of mane-cutting in the north-east in recent years.

In June 2007, 16 separate attacks were carried out at a farm at Balhagerty, near Laurencekirk, which left 27 horses missing all or part of their manes and tails.

It was suspected at the time that people practising black magic might be to blame.

Sections of a pony's mane and forelock were cut away while it grazed in a field near Fraserburgh in December 2003.

The incident was said to be similar to attacks the previous October, when sections of tail were removed from three animals.

One theory linked the incident to Halloween and the occult.

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Police probe death of animal, thought to have been stabbed as it stood in its field

By Eilidh Morrison

Published: 29/07/2008

Police in Moray were last night hunting “despicable” thugs who brutally killed a gentle-giant horse in a field.

The shocked owner of Henry, a 25-year-old thoroughbred cross, yesterday described those responsible as “evil”.

It is understood the horse had been stabbed several times.

Henry was found in a field off Rashcrook Road, Birnie.

His owner, Rebecca Baillie, of nearby Bishopmill, Elgin, last night told of her shock.

The 54-year-old bought the horse four years ago from a local breeder and kept him in her stables with several other breeds.

She had left the stables at 5.30pm on Thursday and was phoned 45 minutes later.

“I got a call to say one of my horses was lying stone dead. I thought initially it was some kind of prank,” she said.

“As soon as I saw the way he was lying in the field, I knew instantly that he hadn’t injured himself.

“I’m totally devastated, he was so lovely, a gentle giant, and he was lovely with the kids as well. It’s so evil to think that there are folk out there that could do something like that.”

Mrs Baillie said she could not give specific details about Henry’s death due to the police inquiries, but described it as “very malicious”.

A spokeswoman for Grampian Police said that no firearms were involved, but would not confirm the exact nature of the injuries.

It is understood, however, that Henry had been stabbed several times.

Police urge anyone who was in the Rashcrook Road area between 5.30pm and 6.15pm and saw anything suspicious to come forward.

The field is next to a road and passing vehicles or other road users would have had a clear view.

Constable Debbie Price, who is investigating the attack, said: “This was a despicable and shocking incident and we would urge anyone with information to come forward in order to track down the perpetrators of this horrific act.”

World Horse Welfare spokeswoman Debbie Graver said incidents of this nature were rare.

Vendetta

“In a lot of instances where it looks like there may have been an attack, although it’s not immediately obvious, it can sometimes be later explained by natural causes,” she said.

“Horse attacks are actually quite rare, but if a horse attack is genuine it can generally be categorised in one of three areas. Either because it’s a vendetta against the owner, mindless vandalism, and the third category would be sexual interference or a ritualistic killing.

“Those type of things are incredibly difficult to prove where you’ve got no evidence. Most people are not in a position where they’ve got 24-hour coverage of the field or CCTV. But if it’s someone who is determined enough to undertake some kind of attack on the horse then they are going to do it anyway.”

Earlier this year, a Mearns farmer offered a £500 reward to help catch those responsible for a series of disturbing attacks on her horses.

Gail Sephton’s farm at Balhagerty, near Laurencekirk, was targeted for the second year running by people who cut the hair from her horses’ manes and tails, causing them great distress.

In early 2007, 27 of her 38 horses had their hair hacked with a razor or another sharp instrument.

And last month a horse had to be put down and three others were left injured after they were attacked in their fields in the Bonnybridge area, near Falkirk.

Anyone with information about the Moray attack is urged to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

---

The suspicious death of a horse which suffered a head injury in Moray has been described as a "despicable and shocking" attack.

Police said the death of the horse, called Henry, in a field at Birnie, near Elgin, has left the owner "distraught".

The incident happened on Thursday evening.

Grampian Police appealed for public help to track down the "perpetrators of this horrific act".

A MUSSELBURGH vet says a horse is “very lucky” to be alive after it was shot in the neck by airgun-toting thugs.

Sharif, a 23-year-old gelding, was targeted as he grazed in a field at Whitehill Mains Farm, not far the county’s western border with Midlothian, between 11am and 12.30pm last Friday.

The pellet lodged in his throat, missing his main artery by less than two inches.

His owner, Linda Pantellerisco, 44, has condemned the attack and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Whitehill Mains is south-west of Musselburgh, not far from the B&Q superstore at Fort Kinnaird.

Miss Pantellerisco, who stays there with her partner John Brown, 43, says she has been left “shocked and angered”.

“I have had Sharif since he was four,” she said. “My other horse, gelding Jupiter (9), was also in the field when the attack happened, but was unharmed.

“I had left them in the field at 11am following their morning rides. When they were checked an hour and a half later, we noticed the wound on Sharif’s neck.

“Living where we do, we are used to finding cars and even caravans dumped and set alight on the farm. We get teenagers driving up and down the road at high speed and people dealing in drugs. I don’t worry about things like that, as I have lived here for a long time and don’t feel threatened.

“But I am very angry and upset that someone could do this to a helpless animal.”

Sharif, a former two-time East of Scotland novice showjumping champion, was treated on site with the aid of a local anaesthetic. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Musselburgh-based Tom Brown, a partner at Links Vet Group, extracted the pellet.

He said: “This horse was very lucky. The pellet must have been fired from a fair distance as it did not penetrate deep under the skin. But had it struck less than two inches on either side it could have punctured the main neck artery and we would have had a dead horse on our hands within minutes.

“And, had the pellet struck an eye, the horse could have been blinded.”

The vet added: “Thankfully, this type of incident is rare in East Lothian. I occasionally treat cats and dogs that have been shot at, but this is the first time that I’ve seen a horse targeted. It would be interesting to see how the person responsible for this cowardly act would react to having an airgun fired at his throat.”

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “A horse was shot with an air weapon on Friday, July 18, at Whitehill Mains Farm, by Musselburgh. An injury was discovered in the horse’s neck, and a vet attended to remove a pellet that was lodged in its lower throat."

“The animal did not require any stitches, and is being treated with a course of antibiotics. We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anyone carrying an air weapon, or acting suspiciously, to get in touch.” 

The owner of a twenty-year-old team chaser says he's sick to his stomach after she was attacked and left bleeding from her rear end.

Owner Mark Smith of Whitfields livery yard, Twyford, Berkshire, said the broodmare had been found at 10am on Friday July 11 with blood seeping from her vulva.

He said: "It turns my stomach to relate this incident. The vet said, in his opinion, the internal injuries were consistent with blows from a blunt instrument. He said he could think of no logical way they could have been caused by an accident."

Vet James Crawford, from Straight Mile Equine Practise, Wokingham, Berkshire said: "There was a lot of bruising and a wound about an inch inside the vagina. I've never seen anything like this before. We checked the field and could see nothing that could have caused it."

The incident was reported to the police and the RSPCA, and forensic crime officers visited the site to collect evidence. The horse, which was one of the original horses in the Bollocks to Blair Team Chase team, should make a complete recovery.

Folly will recover but she will be scarred for life

Safety and security advice is being given to horse owners in Kent after a mare was left scarred when she was cut with a sharp object.

Folly, a 15-year-old horse, was attacked in her field in Preston, near Canterbury, on 15 July.

Kent Police have said the incident was rare, but owners are being urged to take precautions and be on their guard.

Horses should be stabled overnight if possible, locks should be maintained, and microchipping should be considered.

Police also advised horse owners to report suspicious activity and alter the timings of their daily routines with their animals

The owner of four show horses that were burned to death has slammed the arsonists who killed 'her babies'.

Mary Howarth, 60, said the attack on her stables had destroyed decades of hard work and breeding.

And she told how she bravely battled large flames to rescue three other horses.

Firefighters, who fought the blaze for two hours from 11.30pm on Monday, helped her bring two of them to safety.

But they were unable to save the other four.

Detectives have launched an investigation into the blaze.

Firefighters said that Sough Farm stable blocks in Northumberland Close, off Cranberry Lane, Darwen, had been specifically targeted as there were several seats of fire.

The stable doors had also been "ripped off their hinges", firefighters said.

The scene was cordoned off yesterday while forensic teams carried out their investigations.

A 17-year-old boy and a man, 18, have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

One of the horses killed was due to compete in the Royal Welsh show on Saturday.

Mrs Howarth, of Cranberry Close, Darwen, said: "My daughter was at the stables at about 10.30pm and the fire brigade was called at about 11.30pm, so it"s happened within the space of an hour.

"My neighbour came to tell me what was going on, and I grabbed my coat and shoes and ran down dialling 999."

"When I got there, the fire engines were already there, so somebody else must have called them."

"The flames were 20ft high. I got one pony out of the stables and rescued two more from further away from the fire, but the others had no chance."

She said those responsible were "sick" and added: "Set my table on fire, but don't do this, don't burn the babies."

" I am insured, but you can't get the same pony back.

"They are as individual as people."

"I'm totally devastated."

"It was my 60th birthday as well. What a present I've been given."

The horses killed were a 12-year-old Highland called Billy Bunter, a coloured yearling gelding called Murphy, yearling filly called Goldy and a yearling filly called Lizzy Lou.

Wendy Dewhurst, 40, from Woodville Terrace, Darwen, owned Goldy, who was to compete at the Royal Welsh Show.

She said: "I put 11 years breeding into that horse. A lot of hard work."

"She was a really valuable pony for show purposes."

"I am devastated. The stables can be rebuilt but I can't breed that pony again."

The rescued horses have gone to stables belonging to friends of Mrs Howarth.

Peter McLintock, of Northumberland Close, saw the drama unfold.

He said: "I've never seen flames so big. We were fearing for our house. It was that bad."

"It's a shame, really sad."

Crew manager Steve Morgan, from Darwen Fire Station, said: "We were met by the owner of the stables, who was in a distraught state, and then a lot of people, including horse owners started to turn up, trying to get the horses out."

"We rescued three horses that were put in a paddock and looked over by a vet, but the other four were dead when we got there."

Detective Inspector Andy Hulme said: "We are appealing for any witnesses who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the Northumberland Close area between 10pm and 11.30pm to contact police."

Call police on 01254 51212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Click HERE to watch the BBC news story


UPDATE

TWO youths have been charged in connection with an arson attack on a stables in Darwen which left four horses dead.

Matthew Roberts, 18, from Darwen, has been charged with arson and a 17-year-old boy from Darwen has been charged with arson and burglary.

A third man, also 18, arrested in connection with the incident has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Four show horses worth tens of thousands of pounds were burned alive in the attack at Sough Farm stable blocks late on Monday night.

Three other horses were rescued by stable owner Mary Howarth and fire officers.

Detective Inspector Andy Hulme, from Blackburn CID, said: "We are still appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

"I would like to speak to anybody who saw any suspicious activity in the Northumberland Close area between 10pm and 11.30pm on Monday to contact police. "

Both youths are due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court tomorrow.

To visit the stables website and give them all support and sign their guestbook please visit www.whalleystud.co.uk

The horse had its genitals slashed while it was in a field in the Dunipace area on Friday night.

It follows a spate of similar attacks in the past few weeks when four horses, stabled at several locations in the Bonnybridge area, were cut on their bodies and legs. One was so badly injured it had to destroyed.

Both the police and the SSPCA are urging witnesses to come forward.
Some local horse-owners believe the attacks may have been carried out as part of an occult fertility ritual related to the summer solstice.

Commenting on the latest attack, Denny inspector Paul Fleming said: "It took some time for the owner to catch the horse as it was really frightened after what had happened to it.

"This is the first time in my 26 years I have come across anything like this and it is really sad, insensitive and cruel.

''We have increased patrols in the area and, as a result, a number of lines of inquiry are being followed.

''We urge owners to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to us.''

Doreen Graham, a spokesperson for the SSPCA, said: "There is extreme concern among horse-owners.

"It is very difficult to implement strong security protection for horses.

"Many owners have started to move their horses closer to their homes and some have got together to form horse-watching groups to carry out surveillance in their fields.

"It is extremely distressing to know that someone is roaming around your field with a knife.

"And, when you think about the level of suffering involved for these animals, it is vitally important that these people are caught."

Anyone with information should contact Central Scotland Police on (01786) 456000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It's all too common. Recent events listed below..

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article4183481.ece

Stables on 24-hour guard after horses mutilated

Fears horse-slasher will strike again after Stirlingshire stables suffer five attacks in two weeks
On a bright sunny morning just over two weeks ago, Helen - not her real name - received a telephone call that was to turn her life upside down. The 40-year-old horse lover from Bonnybridge, in Stirlingshire, was told that her beautiful bay mare had been mutilated during the night.

“My yard owner rang to say that my horse was lame and she had never seen anything like it,” said Helen, who does not wish to be identified. “When I arrived, my mare was standing at the bottom of the field with her head hanging down. I looked at her cuts and I was horrified.”

Both of her horse's back legs had been badly slashed in the third of five night attacks on horses in the area in recent weeks.

The first attack was on May 30 and the last on June 14. On each occasion the hindquarters of the horse were injured, with one mare having her genitals slashed. One had to be put down and some may now be incapable of breeding.

Records of horse mutilations stretch back to the dark ages. No figures are kept but estimates by animal welfare groups range from about 18 attacks a year to several hundred across Britain. This year there have already been 30 in Scotland alone. A mare had her legs and genitals slashed in Renfrewshire this month and, in February, 25 horses had hair cut from their tails in a series of night raids on a farm in Aberdeenshire, which had also been targeted the previous year.

The Stirlingshire outbreak has mystified detectives. Inspector Paul Fleming, of Central Scotland Police, said he had never seen anything like it in his 26 years as an officer.

“A horse is more capable of defending itself than a woman or even a child, but the fact that a human being could do this to a trusting animal is unforgivable,” he said. “It is distressing to the horses and to the community.”

Some reports have suggested a link with occultists. Similar attacks in 2002 led the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to call in a witchcraft expert to examine the possibility that horse blood was being used in ancient satanic fertility rites, especially as many cases occur around key times in the occultists' calendar, such as today's summer solstice.

However, Inspector Fleming was unconvinced by the theory. “There may be faith groups out there who dabble in practices from thousands of years ago, but I think there are easier ways to go about getting horse blood,” he said.

According to Ted Barnes, a field officer with World Horse Welfare and a former officer with the Metropolitan Police's now disbanded Equine Crime Prevention Unit, there are three main reasons for horse attacks.

“First, there is the vendetta, when someone has a grudge against the owner,” said Mr Barnes, who is regarded as one of Britain's foremost authorities. “Second, you get those of a sexual nature, which are well documented and which you will get in all areas on occasions; and lastly there is the mindless crime.”

He urged a cautious approach to the investigation, as many horses self-harm when trying to scratch themselves, but said that all reports must be taken seriously.

“The police will need to do their groundwork,” he said. “If you have someone in the area who has previous convictions for criminal damage or unusual sexual practices they need to be spoken to.”

Few responsible for horse mutilations are ever caught, but some animal rights campaigners believe the tiny number who are convicted of such offences are not being punished sufficiently by the courts.

Davina Bowyer, 47, from Essington, in Staffordshire, whose mare Maggie had to be put down after two teenagers repeatedly threw a meat cleaver at her, has begun an online petition on Number 10's website seeking tougher sentences.

She was shocked when one of the pair responsible received community service and a restrictive order, while the other served just six weeks of a five-month sentence.

“When I first saw Maggie I thought it [the attacker] had been an animal,” she said. “The system let us down. It is diabolical - horses have no protection.”

Detectives in Stirlingshire say they would prefer the attacks to cease rather than continuing until they secure a prosecution. But until someone is apprehended, horse and stable owners have been maintaining a 24-hour watch on their animals.

Helen, whose horse is healing physically but is so mentally scarred that she may never be ridden again, added: “I have been through every scenario - what could have happened, what kind of people were involved - but I have given up. I just want them caught or the attacks to stop.”

Anyone with information about the horse attacks in Stirlingshire should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. The e-petition can be signed at www,maggieslaw.co.uk

 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7444592.stm

Horses attacked and cut in fields

Police have launched an investigation after four horses were attacked in their fields in the Bonnybridge area. One of the animals was so badly injured it had to be destroyed by its owners. Another three horses, stabled at different locations, also received cuts to their bodies between 30 May and 6 June, Central Scotland Police said. The force has warned farmers and animal owners in the area to be vigilant. Patrols in the area have also been increased. Insp Paul Fleming of Denny police station, said: "To get that close to a horse, a great deal of time has to be spent befriending it. "The person who has done this is obviously comfortable around horses. "I appeal for anyone with information or who sees anything suspicious to contact us."

 

 

Two ponies, kept at a Shropshire care home, have been shot dead-May2008

The Shetland ponies were killed in their field in Edgeley Road in Whitchurch sometime during Saturday night.
Roger Edwards, who cared for the ponies, called Bill and Ben, for more than 10 years, said the ponies had been part of the care home's family.

Two youths, 17 and 14, have been charged with firearms offences and will appear before magistrates.

They have also been charged with criminal damage and cruelty to animals. They will appear before Telford magistrates in June.

To read the latest update on this case click HERE

 

 

3 June, 2008
A horse has been left with facial injuries after being attacked in a field in South Godstone-June 2008

Lulu, a 15hh piebald mare, was attacked between 1.30am and 9am on Sunday 1 June at Whyte Gate Farm on Tillburstow Hill Road.

It is thought that the offenders entered the field and held the 10-year-old mare by the neck before stubbing out cigarettes on her face.

PC Nick Shrapel told H&H: "Lulu is such a friendly horse and always goes up to humans. The family are devastated by the attack."

Lulu's owners alerted the police on Sunday morning when they noticed she was behaving out of character and would not come across from the opposite side of the field to greet them. They then realised she had injuries to her face and neck.

PC Shrapel added: "I saw Lulu on Monday following the incident and despite her nasty injuries she appears to be recovering well.

"Due to the location of the field it would not have been seen from the road but we are appealing to anyone who may have heard anything. Somebody locally might know what happened."

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 1252222.

A horse-owner who caught a group of youths beating her ponies with iron poles has appealed for help to catch them.

He woman was coming to feed the four ponies at 7pm on Thursday 19 June when she saw two boys and three girls in the field on Churchill Way in Basingstoke, attacking her ponies.

When confronted, one of the youths threatened to come back and kill the ponies.

PC Ian Wonnacott from Hampshire police said: "This was a despicable attack on defenceless animals and I am disgusted by the behaviour of those responsible.

"This was an extremely distressing incident, not only for the animals but also for the owner who witnessed the attack.

"I would ask anyone who knows who was responsible, or has any information about this incident, to contact us in confidence.

"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw five youths cycling past the Sainsbury's depot towards the Houndsmill roundabout about 7.10pm that evening."

Anyone with any information should telephone Hampshire police on 0845 045 45 45.

A Wells businessman is offering a reward to catch a sadistic attacker.Two horses, Fler and Katie, were left with deep gashes in their noses after an apparently motiveless attack.

The attack took place on Thursday at Wookey, and is the second incident of its kind in a week. It has left the owner, who asked not to be identified, shocked and upset.

She said: "I can't believe anyone would do something like this.

"Fler and Katie came into the stables on Thursday evening with these deep cuts on their noses. One of my other ponies was found with cuts last week, but we could not be sure that they were knife wounds.

"We checked the field carefully to see if there was anything that could have caught him while he was grazing and injured him, but could not find anything.

"When Fler and Katie came in with these slashes, it was obvious that they had been cut by someone with a sharp knife.

"The worst injuries were sustained by Katie, who is 28 years old and suffers from arthritis. She just would not have been able to get away from her attacker quickly enough."

Significantly, the horses that had been attacked were all wearing head collars - horses without collars have been unharmed.

"It would have made it easier for this sick person to get close to the horses," the owner said.

"I've taken the collars off all my horses now - it makes them a bit more difficult to bring in, but if it makes them safer, that's the important thing. We have alerted all the horse owners round here and the police say they will be patrolling in the area."

Wells businessman David Masters has put up a £500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker.

He said: "Any sort of knife crime is a bad thing, someone who does this isn't safe to have in the community.

"If they are capable of doing this to an animal, are they capable of doing it to humans? An animal can't report what has happened to them - but perhaps the offer of a reward might jog somebody's memory."

Sergeant Jim Waugh from Wells Police said: "We would urge anyone with information about these attacks to come forward.

"If they do not feel they can speak to us directly they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and leave information anonymously."