A horse has died and a rider has been injured following a dog attack in East London.
The horse and rider were in Havering Park Woods on 20 March when the incident took place. It was reported that two dogs attacked the horse and the rider fell.
The horse had to be put to sleep as a result of its injuries and the rider was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.
The female rider, who is in her 30s, suffered injuries “not deemed to be life-changing or life-threatening”, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police were called to Havering-Atte-Bower at 5.15pm
“Officers seized two dogs at the scene which remain in police kennels,” a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told Your Horse.
“No arrests have been made at this time, and enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 5965/20MAR, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
“Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act to ensure that their dogs are kept under control at all times in public and private places,” added the police spokesperson. “Failure to do so can result in serious criminal consequences.”
Updates to the Dangerous Dogs Act
The attack comes after updated legislation surrounding the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, making it law and updating the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) 1953.
It came into effect on 18 March this year in England and Wales and strengthens the tools available to police and the courts, enabling them to respond more effectively when incidents happen.
Key changes include rewording, so that attacking livestock is treated separately from worrying livestock.
It also extends the law to cover livestock attacks and worrying on roads and paths, and the penalty has also been increased to an unlimited fine.
In addition, the law gives police enhanced powers to seize and detain dogs, collecting samples or evidence from dogs or livestock, and entering premises to prevent future attacks.
