Devon & Cornwall Police are investigating after a pony sustained serious injuries and had to be put to sleep as a result of an assault on Monday night (11 August).
The incident happened on a farm in the Cheriton Bishop area, between Okehampton and Exeter, and a source told Your Horse that the pony suffered “machete-type” injuries to her shoulder and back, resulting in a punctured lung.
“We’ve received reports that a horse suffered serious and unexplained injuries during the night on 11 August, and sadly had to be put to sleep,” said PC Lucy Wyatt of the Rural Affairs team and equine Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police.
“While investigations are ongoing, we’re urging horse owners and those with livestock in the area to be extra vigilant.”
Police advice
In a statement, officers are recommending that horse owners:
- Check fields where animals are kept regularly to check that fences haven’t been breached and that no one else is in the field with them.
- Keep hedges, fences and gates in good repair. Field gate hinges should have capping hinges so that they can’t be removed easily and cattle grids should be removable and locked out of position when they’re not in use. Use locking posts to obstruct large openings to yards.
- Utilise CCTV if possible.
- Keep gates securely padlocked.
- Sign up to Devon & Cornwall Police HorseWatch for the latest updates on equine incidents.
If you have any information that may assist with investigations, Devon & Cornwall Police can be contacted via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference 50250208871.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously online to CrimeStoppers or by calling 0800 555 111.
Your Horse will update this story as more information becomes available.
