A miniature Shetland in Devon has been injured after being chased by a loose dog on Sunday 10 May and police are appealing for witnesses.
Two ponies were chased in their field in Bere Alston, but Scooter was injured when he ran into a gate post while trying to get away.
The skewbald has been left “seriously lame” and requiring veterinary treatment.
“This is really upsetting, not just because of the incident, but because the dog owner hasn’t taken responsibility for what happened and hasn’t come forward to at least apologise or even check the animal is ok,” said Scooter’s owner, who runs Collytown Therapy Ponies.
“The ponies are part of our family, they’re pets and they’re companions to our bigger horses, but they’re also part of a bigger project. They are part of our equine therapy business that helps neurodivergent children. We work with lots of children in the community and provide therapy sessions where they can come and be with our animals and get the relief and support that they need.
“Something like this happening is really upsetting, not only to us but to everyone that comes here and uses our services.”
She offered advice to dog owners and urged others to learn from what has happened to Scooter.
“My top tip for anyone that’s walking a dog near or anywhere there may be livestock, if you’re not 100 percent sure of your dog’s capability to come back to you, is to keep it on the lead and it can totally prevent this type of stress happening,” she continued.
“The pony in question is seriously lame, he’s really sore and having to have treatment. We don’t know if he’s going to be ok, and that’s part of the reason why I would like this owner just to come forward and just talk to me, see the damage that her dog has done and talk about how this can be prevented in the future.
“It would be awful for it to happen to somebody else and it’s something we want to stop.”
The incident took place on Sunday 10 May between 11.30am and 12pm in the Bere Alston area of Devon.
The dog is described as a brown and white six-month-old springer spaniel, who was wearing a harness. The owner is a female aged 20-30, around 5’6, well-spoken with dark hair in a ponytail.
“Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and we are actively investigating this incident,” added a spokesperson for the Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team. “If you have any information or this was your dog, please come forward.”
To contact Devon and Cornwall Police, call 101 quoting reference number 50260122054.
