Latest from Horse & Hound in Dog-attacks

The fight goes on to keep horses safe from dog attacks after new law clarified

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 13:57:13 +0000

The fight to keep horses safe from dog attacks goes on – as the Government has confirmed that tougher legislation to deal with worrying animals does not cover ridden or driven horses.

H&H reported that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act, which came into force this year, gave police more powers to deal with – and the option of more serious punishments – for livestock worrying, and that this includes horses.

But some in the industry had concerns that it did not go far enough. And Defra has now confirmed that although the law covers horses on roads and paths to be moved between fields, this “does not extend to ridden horses”, on or off the road.

Victoria Privett, co-founder of the Leash & Release campaign that aims to educate dog owners and protect other people and animals from dog attacks, told H&H she and co-founder Katie Smart contacted Defra last autumn.

“They’ve now come back to say the protection given by the act doesn’t automatically apply to ridden horses in public spaces,” she said.

“We’re very grateful to Defra for clarifying but my fear was that horses would fall through the gaps again, and we have. The most vulnerable time for horses and riders is when they’re riding in public.”

Ms Smart and Ms Privett said that, as it has to H&H, Defra has referred to the Dangerous Dogs Act as another law under which horses may be protected. But the relevant section of this law says it is an offence if an out-of-control dog “injures any person or assistance dog”, with no mention of horses or any other animal.

Leash & Release is now targeting an update of this law as the next step.

Dog attacks: ridden horses and other animals need protection

“We need a petition to amend this section to cover horses and all pets, including other dogs,” Ms Privett said. “People have contacted us as their dogs have been attacked, and they’re not covered either. There are lots of loopholes, and places where the police aren’t even clear.”

This petition, and a call to contact MPs, will not be started until the country’s governance is clear; the campaigners will wait until the next prime minister is in place with no chance of an imminent general election, as these mean all petitions are closed.

“Then we’ll do that, because we know the community will support us,” Ms Privett said. “Not just the equestrian community, the dog community, the pet owners, and hopefully we can get more of an aligned response.”

Solicitor Hannah Bradley, of Aria Grace Law, told H&H that although the act refers to horses, “it is clear they fall awkwardly in that they are often not farmed livestock in the traditional sense, and they are used more often for leisure purposes”.

“The frequency with which horses and their owners suffer from dog attacks, and the difficult emotional and financial circumstances caused by them, warrant serious consideration to creating a clearer route to prosecution, and by virtue a deterrent,” she said. “Whilst owners may still have a prospective civil claim to pursue any financial losses, it may be difficult and expensive, and there would be no guarantee of success, or recovery of any damages awarded.”

British Horse Society (BHS) safety team manager Des Payne told H&H anyone involved in a dog-related riding incident should contact a legal expert; the BHS has a free legal support helpline accessible to some members.

“We would always seek clarity when dealing with these awful situations, as our laws aren’t simple to navigate and there can be many different circumstances to consider,” he said. “Our understanding is that the Crown Prosecution Service will assess whether to proceed with prosecution under section 3 of the 1991 act or other relevant legislation on a case-by-case basis. As ever, we will continue to lobby Government to ensure the interests of horses, horse riders and carriage drivers are at the forefront of any legislative change.”

A Defra spokesperson confirmed Mr Payne’s understanding on the 1991 act, adding that the Government takes dog attacks very seriously.

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New law benefits horses and owners as dog control order imposed

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:21:36 +0000

The owner of horses who were repeatedly chased by a dog in their field wants other riders to know what is possible under the law, as a control order has been imposed on the dog’s owners.

Devon & Cornwall Police has issued the order, under which the dog must be under control at all times and including a requirement to secure its home property to prevent its escape.

Kirstie McPherson told H&H she was terrified to turn her horses out in the field she rents, after her home-bred two-year-old and his dam both suffered tendon injuries. She also had to send back a pony she had on loan for her autistic son, for fear he might be injured too.

“I’m doing this to highlight to people what steps they can take to protect their animals,” she said. “People should know that this is a crime.”

Kirstie said she first realised there was an issue early this year when her horses went through the electric fence, something they had never done previously. She installed cameras to try to find out what was happening.

“I found my two-year-old looking like he’d broken his leg,” she said. “It was the worst thing you could ever see. I phoned the vet, expecting they would have to put him down, but they said it was a tendon injury and he must have been chased to the point he injured it.

“We put him on box rest and put a rescued Dartmoor we had back out. We didn’t realise until that night, when I saw a dog on the camera chasing him, what had happened.”

Kirstie said she saw the dog jumping into its owners’ garden, so went to speak to them but nothing changed.

“I warned them but a couple of weeks ago, I found my boy’s dam looking like she’d broken her leg,” she said. “The fencing was down and the dog was in the field.

“I posted on local social media asking if anyone had a contact for local police who might go and speak to them, and someone said, ‘Call 101 as it’s a crime now.’”

H&H reported that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act came into effect on 18 March. It gives police more powers to deal with dog attacks on livestock, including horses.

New dog law: more protection for horses

“If the dog’s found in the field again, it’s in breach of the order and the owners can be prosecuted,” Kirstie said. “It’s been an absolute nightmare. But I didn’t realise it was a crime, so I thought it was good to highlight to other people that if their horses are being worried by dogs, things can be done. The police were absolutely brilliant.”

A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesperson told H&H: “The dog control order says that the dog must be under control at all times and there is a requirement to secure its home property to prevent its escape.” Should the order be breached, he added, “action could be taken, including considering prosecution.”

British Horse Society (BHS) safety team manager Des Payne told H&H when the amended legislation was approved that there were still some issues it did not address, such as clarification that it covers horses while being driven or ridden.

“While it’s encouraging to hear that some police are using the additional powers they have available to them, it’s still so early to truly know the impact the bill will have on the equestrian community moving forwards,” he told H&H this week.

“Continuing to log incidents on the BHS Horse i App is vital and I would encourage those who have to use your incident reference number to update us with any outcomes once an investigation is concluded, which will provide us with a valuable insight on how the bill is being enforced.”

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‘Do the right thing’: police urge owner of dog who attacked pony to come forward

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 26 May 2026 16:07:45 +0000

The owner of a dog who attacked a therapy pony in Devon is urged to “do the right thing” and come forward to police.

Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police are appealing for information on the owner of a springer spaniel who attacked miniature Shetland Scooter in Bere Alston on 10 May.

“It was reported that a dog entered a paddock before chasing two ponies, and that Scooter was injured as he collided with a gate post while attempting to get away from the dog,” a police spokesperson said.

“The owner is described as a female aged between 20 and 30 and around 5ft 6ins tall. She is reported to have been well-spoken and had dark hair pulled back into a ponytail.”

The dog is thought to be a six-month-old brown and white springer, who was wearing a harness.

PC Lucy Wyatt, lead for equine crime at Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “This is a very distressing incident which highlights the risk to animals, including livestock, when dogs are not under proper control.

“We are urging anyone who has information about this incident, or who may be able to identify the owner or the dog involved based on the description provided, to please come forward. If you are the owner of the dog involved, please do the right thing and make contact with us.”

Charmaine Blamey, who runs Collytown Therapy Ponies and owns Scooter, said the pony is part of the family.

“He is also part of Collytown Therapy Ponies, a service we provide to support neurodivergent children in our local community,” she said.

“I would like the owner to come forward; to see the damage her dog has caused, and to have a valuable conversation about how this kind of incident can be prevented in the future. If you’re not sure of your dog’s recall ability, please, please, please put your dog on a lead around other animals.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police, online or by or calling 101 and quoting crime reference number 50260122054.

Information can also be shared anonymously with CrimeStoppers, online or by calling 0800 555111.

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Horse fatally injured and rider hurt in attack by two dogs

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:11:14 +0000

Police have appealed for information after a horse suffered fatal injuries in an attack by two dogs in London.

The Metropolitan Police seized two dogs at Havering Park Woods, east London, on Friday, 20 March.

A spokesperson for the force said officers were called to Havering-Atte-Bower at 5.15pm, to reports of a dangerous dog incident.

“It was reported that two dogs attacked a horse in Havering Park Woods,” the spokesperson said.

“The rider of the horse, a woman in her 30s, was thrown and taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service with injuries not deemed to be life-changing or life-threatening. The horse was sadly put down.

“Officers seized two dogs at the scene which remain in police kennels. No arrests have been made at this time, and enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 5965/20MAR, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

The attack came two days after the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill came into force. This gives police more power to deal with offenders, and means the maximum penalty for livestock worrying has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine. Defra confirmed to H&H that “livestock” includes horses, and that the legislation covers incidents on roads and paths.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, owners have a legal responsibility to keep dogs under control at all times in public and private places.

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More power for police under new law on dog attacks – but horse owners will ‘still have questions’

Lucy Elder — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:53:58 +0000

Stronger law on dog attacks on animals – including horses – is now in force, giving police tougher powers to deal with offenders.

H&H reported that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill had passed its final reading and would become law (news, 18 December). It came into effect on 18 March and has been welcomed, although some questions still remain for horse owners.

The maximum penalty for livestock worrying has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine. It also extends protection to incidents on roads and paths, recognising that attacks can happen when livestock is being moved.

Under certain circumstances, police can now seize and detain a dog, and enter premises to secure evidence or animal DNA.

A Defra spokesperson said Defra recognises that dog attacks can have horrific consequences and takes this issue very seriously, confirming to H&H that “livestock” includes horses.

The spokesperson added that if a horse is attacked by a dog while being ridden on a road or path, there may be sufficient evidence that the dog was dangerously out of control under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

He said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) would assess whether to proceed with a prosecution under relevant legislation on a case-by-case basis, and that it remains a matter for the courts to ultimately decide whether, on the facts of the case, an offence has been committed.

World Horse Welfare head of public affairs Kim Ayling told H&H the charity is delighted the legislation is in place, the intention “clearly being to better protect livestock, including horses”.

“We know riders and dog owners have questions over how it will work in practice, especially around what enforcement action will be taken when it comes to chasing or causing horses distress, rather than when an out-of-control dog has attacked a horse or livestock,” she said.

“As with any new law, it will come down to how the court interprets each situation based on the facts available and how it chooses to apply the law.”

Hannah Bradley, partner at Aria Grace Law CIC, told H&H: “Horse owners will feel some additional protection by the specific inclusion of attacks on roads and paths in the legislation, which seems to open the door for attacks while hacking to be prosecuted more easily. However, the deterrent impact of it will only be felt if there is awareness in the dog-owning community about the more robust penalties.

“Dog attack cases are always fact-sensitive, and the retention of contemporaneous evidence such as video footage will always be helpful to secure a prosecution.

“It remains to be seen how charging decisions in relation to the new legislation will be made by the CPS, and ultimately how the courts will interpret and enforce the legislation.”

H&H also contacted the British Horse Society (BHS) and was told that BHS safety team manager Des Payne’s comments from December still stand.

In December, Mr Payne said that the BHS recognises the positive steps, but there are still “vital elements we feel need to be addressed”.

He said that although the BHS acknowledges this gives police greater powers, it only protects horses on agricultural or grazing land including “roads and paths” for movement.

“We welcome any opportunity to discuss the bill with the Defra minister, so that this can include all public spaces and clarification that this does include while being ridden or driven,” said Mr Payne, adding that the BHS is supportive of “any legal process that furthers the protection of horses”, but will continue to campaign for stricter regulations.

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Good news for horse owners as law on dog attacks to be strengthened – but questions remain

Lucy Elder — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:44:13 +0000

New legislation that will give police tougher powers to deal with loose dogs upsetting animals has been welcomed – while questions remain over its scope.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill had its final reading in the House of Lords on 5 December and has gone to The King for royal assent, which means it will become law.

The legislation is designed to give police greater powers to tackle livestock worrying. It will allow for stronger punishments, and the police will be able to investigate incidents of livestock worrying that happened before the bill was passed.

Police will be empowered to detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock where there is nobody present to accept responsibility for the dog, and they will also be allowed to take DNA samples or mouth impressions from dogs they suspect of worrying livestock.

“We recognise the positive steps being made with [this bill], but there are still vital elements that we feel need to be addressed,” British Horse Society safety team manager Des Payne told H&H.

“While we acknowledge that the bill gives police greater powers to protect horses and charge offenders, this only protects horses on agricultural or grazing land including ‘roads and paths’ for movement. We welcome any opportunity to discuss the bill with the Defra minister, so that this can include all public spaces and clarification that this does include whilst being ridden or driven.”

He added: “We are supportive of any legal process that furthers the protection of horses, but we will continue to campaign for stricter regulations for when dogs are around horses. Placing a dog on a lead for a couple of minutes is a small price to pay to keep everyone safe and, potentially, save lives.”

Days after the bill had its final reading, Charlotte Mitchell’s 20-year-old mare MJ was chased by a dog out of her field over a metal five-bar gate and onto a road.

“This situation shows that this bill is needed more than ever,” said Charlotte.

Equestrian safety campaigner Victoria Privett co-runs Leash & Release, an education and awareness campaign on preventing and managing dog-related incidents involving horses.

She said the bill is “a positive step in the right direction”, but there are some important questions that need answering – which she has put to Defra.

These include whether horses are protected while being ridden, and if this also applies to common land, forests and beaches.

“There has also been an update to the public spaces element, which will now include roads and pathways. However, we do not know if there will be a technicality around the purpose of using those pathways with livestock,” she said.

H&H has also contacted Defra to ask for clarification on whether the legislation will apply to situations where horses are being ridden, to ask if there are any limitations as to what is meant by “paths” and if so, what those exclusions would be.

World Horse Welfare’s head of public affairs Kim Ayling told H&H that the charity welcomes any legislation that better protects horses, and this should go some way to reducing the number of dog worrying attacks on all animals.

“Currently, anyone out with their horse, either walking in hand or riding would have no legal protection if their horse were to be attacked by a dog. The new legislation will change this, recognising that incidents can happen not just in fields, but on roads and paths. We hope that the harsher punishments enabled by this bill will act as a greater deterrent to dog owners and encourage them to take worrying seriously,” she said.

“Increased powers for police, including being able to take advantage of advances in technology, such as DNA testing, will also make it easier to identify the culprit and hold their owner to account. With the Kept Animals Bill, which would have introduced similar protections, having fallen previously, this legislation is long-awaited and we’re pleased to see this bill pushed through so quickly.”

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Horse chased over five-bar gate on to road by loose dog days after strengthened law agreed

Lucy Elder — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:12:27 +0000

A 20-year-old horse was chased by a dog out of her field over a metal five-bar gate and on to a road days after a move to strengthen laws on livestock worrying was heard in parliament.

Owner Charlotte Mitchell was at work on Monday morning (8 December) when she received a call through her doorbell camera from a man asking if one of her horses had got out.

“I could see the gate was shut, and thought they couldn’t have got out over the 10ft high hedges around the field. Then I saw her fly by and realised, ‘That’s my mare’,” she told H&H.

“He was a bit horsey, so I directed him to where the headcollars were and asked if he could grab her, while I saw who I could get hold of.”

She contacted a couple of friends, who were there within minutes. The mare who had jumped out, MJ, had cuts on her front and hind legs, which her friends cleaned. They put her in the stable while Charlotte and her husband dashed back from their respective jobs.

Charlotte said MJ and her two field mates were “lathered with sweat” under their rugs.

One of her friends noticed that the new metal five-bar gate was “buckled” – Charlotte watched the doorbell footage and saw MJ “running for her life”, while being chased by a dog, and jump the metal field gate on to the road (see video, below).

“I don’t know how she got her legs out to land,” said Charlotte. “She’s an ex-racer, 20 years old, seeing her like that… She’s my pride and joy. I rode her [during her racing career], rode her at my wedding, I’ve had her for 18 years. To see her running for her life…”

Charlotte called her vet for advice and MJ is on painkillers, comfortable and eating well.

Charlotte reported the incident to Cambridgeshire Constabulary straight away. She has followed up with at least four more calls, but the police have not taken action, which has left her feeling frustrated and concerned that something similar might happen again.

“I was told that it is waiting to be assigned to a police officer,” she said.

She has also reported it to the British Horse Society, which she said “has been amazing” and “very supportive”.

On Friday (5 December) the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill had its third and final reading in the House of Lords and has been sent to The King for royal assent, which means it will become law.

The legislation is designed to give police greater powers to tackle livestock worrying. Police will be empowered to detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock where there is nobody present to accept responsibility for the dog. The new law will allow for harsher punishments for offenders, and the police will be able to investigate incidents of livestock worrying that happened before the bill was passed into law.

“This situation shows that this bill is needed more than ever,” said Charlotte.

H&H has contacted Cambridgeshire Constabulary for comment.

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Horse chased by loose dogs found stuck in bog and had to be put down

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:23:01 +0000

A horse who was chased by loose dogs and got stuck in a bog had to be put down as a result, Police Scotland has confirmed.

Officers are appealing for information on or witnesses to the incident in the Highlands at the end of July, as they seek to trace the person responsible.

A spokesperson for the force said that a man was seen getting out of a white van with two brown spaniels at about 6pm on Thursday, 24 July. The van was on the Affric Kintail Way between Shenval and Corrimony in Shenval Forest, northwest Scotland.

“The dogs were not under proper control, and charged at two horses being hacked which caused them to spook,” the spokesperson said. “Thankfully the riders weren’t on the horses at the time.

“The horses were traced nearby, however they were stuck in a peat bog and couldn’t get out.”

The spokesperson said that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called for help and crews attended.

“After several hours they managed to free the horses. Sadly, one of the horses had to be euthanised due to its injuries,” he said.

“We are appealing for witnesses who may have seen a man with the dogs as described in the area, especially if you saw the van he was driving.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland quoting reference 3960 of 25/07/2025.

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Negligent dog-walker held liable for rider’s life-changing injuries in legal case that could help others

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 26 May 2025 12:08:20 +0000

A rider who suffered life-changing injuries when her horse was spooked by dogs out with a professional walker hopes her legal case may help prevent other such situations.

International grand prix dressage rider Melissa Smith suffered a smashed pelvis, broken back and head injury when her mare Lorentina reared and fell on her, on a bridleway in Surrey in December 2018. The case concluded this month; His Honour Judge Simpkiss had found that the walker, who had four dogs with her, had been negligent and was liable for Melissa’s injuries.

Melissa, a trainer, coach and yard owner, underwent multiple operations, spent months in a wheelchair and was told she might not ride again. She is back in the saddle but has been classified as a grade V para rider.

“It was completely devastating,” she told H&H. “It changed everything. I still take pain relief, and if I want to ride and function semi-normally, I have to do my rehab programme. I go to the gym three times a week, do mobilisations and stretches every morning.

“It’s been horrendous; for everyone involved. I’m a private person but if this stops one person; if somebody’s walking their dog and has heard about the case and thinks, ‘I need to keep my dog under control around horses,’ it’s a good deed done, isn’t it? It might change things.”

Melissa’s case was that the dog walker admitted liability at the scene but “events were contested” by the walker’s insurance.

In his judgement, Judge Simpkiss said that “with the benefit of hindsight one can easily see that if all four dogs had been on leads this accident would probably not have happened”.

He found that the accident was caused by the mare’s being spooked by the two smaller dogs, who were both “running around”.

“The black dog ran in front of the horse… when the white dog was somewhere behind it,” he said. “There was no reason for ‘Loti’ to rear up unless the dogs had caused her to feel threatened. She had not shown any signs before of being nervous or skittish and she was used to dogs.

“Something out of the ordinary must have happened to cause Loti to rear and this can only have been the dogs’ behaviour… Because they were off the lead and not under any control from the defendant, they caused Loti to rear and the claimant to fall and suffer injury.”

Negligence

The case centred on whether the dog walker had been negligent, which the judge found was the case.

“The defendant appreciated the risk that existed where dogs and horses came into proximity,” he said. “She immediately tried to put them on the lead because of this. The risk of not having complete control of a dog if it is off the lead is increased four-fold if there are four dogs.

“Objectively, I find that it was foreseeable that if any of the dogs ran out of control near a horse it might ‘spook’ the horse and, in that event, there was a significant risk of the horse responding in a way that might cause the horse and rider to fall and serious injury to the rider.”

Melissa’s solicitor Mary Ann Charles, of Shaw & Co, is a rider, and a specialist in equestrian personal injury claims.

“It’s an important case, I think, for educational purposes,” she told H&H.

“It’s not an accident that should have happened. If there was greater awareness in those managing dogs around horses; I think there’s lack of understanding that this risk exists. The person on the horse usually understands but the person with the dog doesn’t necessarily. They’re concerned about the welfare of the dog, not really thinking about the welfare of the people they’re encountering.”

Insurance

Miss Charles noted that it was a positive that the dog walker had relevant insurance, which is not compulsory, but which did eventually fund the settlement. She praised Melissa’s consistency and reliability as a witness throughout as the other side fought the claim.

“It was a difficult case. The risks of it not being successful existed all the way through because of the way it was being defended, where everything was being challenged,” she said.

“I took it because I had every sympathy with Melissa. I thought, from her account about what happened, the dog walker was negligent, despite the fact they argued about that up hill and down dale. And we were proved correct. The case could have been settled much earlier, if there had been a constructive approach to trying to resolve it.”

Melissa said doctors said hers was among the worst pelvic injuries they had seen.

“I was lucky to survive,” she said, adding that although the payout has now been settled, “you don’t get six, seven years of your life back”.

“They tried everything,” she said. “They tried to claim I was negligent, that the horse was running in a circle. Then you get put on the stand and cross-examined and it’s not a pleasant experience, but the judge saw through it all fairly quickly. And hopefully now it’s all over.

“I’ve got my para classification so I’m looking forward to doing that, and I’m trying to get dispensation from British Dressage to compete in rising trot as I struggle with sitting trot because of all the metalwork in my pelvis.”

She added: “With something like this, your life just changes instantly. I’m sure the dog walker didn’t intend to cause harm, but it’s about taking responsibility. The [dog-walking] industry is quite unregulated, and I think it’s making things unsafe at times, for people on the ground and for horse riders. And if this does something to change that, it can only be a good thing, can’t it?”

Close control

British Horse Society safety team leader Des Payne told H&H it is essential people in charge of dogs have them under “close control” in areas where they might meet horses.

“Not only is this incredibly important to help keep everyone safe but, should anyone get injured, or be in fear of harm/injury (including horse riders) the person in charge of the dog at the time could face prosecution for having it ‘dangerously out of control’,” he said.

“If a dog is deemed ‘dangerously out of control’ it could lead to potential outcomes including destruction of the dog, disqualification from owning dogs, compulsory muzzling, two years’ imprisonment and a £5,000 fine.

“Having ‘close control’ means they can instantly be controlled, no matter the circumstances. We would always strongly advise putting a dog on a lead, even if the dog is used to horses. Our data confirms that loose dogs cause the highest number of deaths and injuries. We can’t forget that the welfare of everyone involved (horse, rider, walker, dogs and innocent bystanders) is at risk should a loose dog frighten a horse.”

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Appeal for witnesses after dog attacks and injures two police horses on patrol

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 05 May 2025 14:12:18 +0000

The Metropolitan Police is appealing for witnesses after two of its horses were attacked by a dog while on patrol.

Police Horse Yvonne, 13, and 15-year-old Police Horse Snaffles were attacked while out with Sergeant Leon Astley and PC Grace Miller-McCormack in Shepherd’s Bush, London, last Monday (28 April) at about 11.30am.

“The dog chased the horses and repeatedly made attempts to bite their legs while the owner struggled to get the pet back under control,” a police spokesperson said. “Members of the public ultimately had to step in to help detain the dog.

“Thankfully, Yvonne and Snaffles are recovering well at their stables with minor injuries and the officers were unharmed.”

Video footage shows the dog going for the horses, as both officers tell the owner to get it under control, and PC Miller-McCormack warns that the dog might get kicked by the horses.

Sergeant Astley said it should have been a routine patrol with PH Yvonne, who has been a police horse since October 2020, and PH Snaffles, who has previously been part of the police ride display at the London International Horse Show.

“But it turned out to be unexpectedly eventful, when our hardworking police horses were sadly injured in the course of their duty,” he said. “Fortunately Yvonne and Snaffles are recovering well and being looked after.

“We know horses are not a common sight in the capital but we urge all owners to keep their dogs under control to prevent this happening again.”

The spokesperson said no arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing. The dog was seized and later given back to its owner.

Anyone whose dog is seriously out of control can be jailed for up to six months or ordered to pay an unlimited fine, or both. If a person is injured, the jail term can be up to five years.

Any witnesses to the incident are asked to call 101 or contact @MetCC on X, quoting CAD2691/28APR25.

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Police shoot two ‘dangerously out-of-control’ dogs to protect public safety after horse reported bitten

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:13:08 +0000

Police who shot dead two dogs after a horse was reportedly bitten said the decision was not taken lightly – and urged owners to take action to keep people and animals safe.

South Yorkshire Police officers shot the pair in Sheffield last week.

A spokesperson for the force said: “At 1.25pm on Monday 31 March, we responded to reports of two dogs, believed to be an XL bully and a large mixed breed, being dangerously out of control on woodland near Cramfit Road, Sheffield, with no owner at the scene.

“We received reports that the dogs were chasing two horses and one of the horses had been bitten.

“A number of members of the public were in the immediate area, including children who were playing nearby. Due to the ongoing risk posed by the dogs to the public, other animals, and our officers, it was necessary to shoot the dogs.”

The spokesperson said an investigation was ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

On 3 April, South Yorkshire Police officers responded to reports that a Japanese Akita had bitten a man in Sheffield – the 18th report the force had had in the past three days of dogs causing injury or fear to a person.

“As our efforts continue, and officers continue to face the challenges of responding to incidents, we are renewing our plea for dog owners to also step up and take responsibility for their pets,” the spokesperson said.

Officers were sent to the area; on arrival, a woman told them she had previously been bitten by the dog. Police used their vehicles to contain it in a doctors’ surgery car park while patients were held inside. A man was treated in A&E for an injured hand.

The dog was seized and its owner signed it over to police.

On 3 April, Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: “This week has been challenging for armed officers, dog handlers and dog legislation officers who have taken [extensive] abuse for shooting two dogs earlier this week.

“We understand this is an extremely distressing incident for the dogs’ owners. Shooting a dog is never a decision taken lightly by our armed officers, many of whom are dog owners themselves, but the safety of our communities and officers will always be paramount.”

Ms Cheney reiterated that the officers had been deployed on 31 March after reports the two dogs were dangerously out of control and had bitten a horse, and that when officers arrived, they were still loose.

“The public only see a small fraction of the incidents and work we undertake. We receive on average four reports of a day for dogs causing injury or fear and work hard to educate owners to reduce risk,” she said.

“I can assure you that our officers are highly skilled and trained and work through various tactics and options available to them. We will do all we can to protect and prevent and urge you to think how you would want us to react if you, a family member, or worse, your child was being attacked.

“A lot of incidents can be avoided by owners being responsible, by taking action; stop thinking it won’t happen to you, your dog wouldn’t do that, and remember that any dog has the ability to cause harm.”

A spokesperson for police told H&H the horse concerned was checked by its owner after the incident and no injuries were seen.

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‘If it’s done that, what’s its future?’ Rider’s fear after dog attacks horse on beach

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:16:49 +0000

The owner of a horse who was badly bitten by a loose dog on a beach wants to raise awareness of the issue – and said she is concerned about what the dog might do in future.

Mel Howard’s 18-year-old gelding Frosty is healing, four weeks on from the incident on the beach in Frinton, Essex, but she is keen to find the owner to prevent any other attacks.

“I just think if it’s done that, what’s its future?” she said.

Mel told H&H Frosty is kept within hacking distance of the beach so she rides him there frequently. On that morning, they had just got on to the beach when she saw the dog and its owner in front.

“I was calling them but it was windy and they didn’t hear,” she said. “Then, as soon as they looked round, the dog came over. I stood still so the owner could catch the dog – but he didn’t.”

Mel said the dog, which she said appeared to be a “pocket bully” type, started biting Frosty, and still the owner was unable to catch it.

“It felt like it went on for a long time,” she said. “I’m traumatised; Frosty was rearing, bucking and kicking. I was shouting at the owner to get the dog and he was saying ‘I’m trying’ – but it only stopped because my horse kicked the dog. The dog lay there for five or 10 minutes; I thought he’d killed it.”

Mel said Frosty had been bitten on his belly; the dog had ripped off a section of his skin, and on his leg. He has had veterinary treatment and is healing well, although she said he has seemed more jumpy and spooky since the incident. Police have appealed for any witnesses to the attack.

“Lots of people have shared it; the community is putting effort in,” she said, adding that there were two people with the dog, and that the one trying to catch it was male.

“Everyone has been really generous and paid my vet’s bills as a friend set up a fundraising page secretly,” Mel said. “That was beautiful so it’s now about awareness and accountability.

“I’m really worried about what that dog could do in future. It’s the way it was; not frightened, it just walked slowly over, and it makes me fearful for other beach users, animals or walkers. It was windy and cold and the owners wouldn’t have heard me calling to be able to get the dog; I get that it was bad luck but if you’re going to have a dog, maybe be more aware and not have it loose.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said officers are investigating the incident.

“It happened near the golf club on The Esplanade [at about 9am] on Monday, 17 February and the horse sustained a serious injury to its leg,” he said.

“We want to locate the owner of the dog who is described as wearing a big coat and a beanie-style hat and walking three dogs. We believe there were multiple people in the area and filming the incident and need anyone with information or footage to contact us.”

Any witnesses can call 101 or use the online reporting function, quoting crime reference number 42/22372/25.

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Call for riders to back dog petition after horse’s tragic death

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:21:52 +0000

A rider who has survived a dog attack, and many near misses, and hears daily of similar incidents is calling on the Government to do better to protect horses and people.

H&H reported last year that Victoria Privett, who campaigns on social media as endurancewithdarcey, had started a Government petition asking for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be updated to protect horses.

The petition was signed by thousands, but was terminated early as a result of the general election last July. It has since been reopened, and has so far been signed by more than 16,500 people.

“We need as many people as possible to sign it to get the Government to listen,” Victoria told H&H.

“The first part that we’re asking for – “Dog owners to face penalties proportionate to the incident if their dog causes a nuisance to, terrorises or attacks a horse when in public” – is actually in the Dangerous Dogs Act but the CPS and police can’t seem to agree what that looks like. And the act doesn’t say that dogs should be leashed in the presence of horses. That means that if you see a horse, you must put the dog on the lead. It could be 10 seconds that makes the difference.”

The Government responds to all petitions signed by at least 10,000 people, and has yet to do so in this case. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in parliament.

“That would be fantastic but I doubt it will in six months,” Victoria said. “But the more people who sign, the better, as then MPs will be made aware.”

Sign the petition

And it is not just the petition; Victoria is working on a template letter to MPs, which will be published on her social media for people to copy, and has met the British Horse Society (BHS).

“They’re taking an interest and supporting it; we’re going to work together on certain things,” she said.

“I’ve continued my series on social media and a lot of dog trainers and walkers have shared my videos, to show what can go wrong, and also the examples of people who do it right. It’s about raising awareness of the dangers, to people’s dogs as well as horses and riders.

‘The tragic death of Loki [who suffered fatal injuries after he was chased by a dog] has really brought awareness too. I’ve been in contact with his family and we’re trying to get a meeting with their MP. We’re really trying to push for this.”

It is estimated that there are 13.5m dogs in the UK, a number that has soared since the Covid pandemic.

“A lot were bought by first-time owners and not socialised properly because of lockdown, and we’re now seeing a problem because of that,” Victoria said. “The BHS has stats on dog incidents but the real number is far more. I get incidents sent to me every day – 16 last week – and I don’t think any were reported to the BHS.”

As is the case with road safety incidents, if dog attacks are reported to the BHS, this allows them to communicate to the Government the scale of the issue, and helps lobbying for change. BHs stats for 2024 show that 280 dog incidents were reported, which caused five horse fatalities and 43 human and 38 equine injuries.

“Without the stats, they can’t show the Government that this is a massive problem,” Victoria said. “They have to be reported.”

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‘Don’t let me die, Mummy’: young rider and woman savaged by pack of dogs

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 13:21:24 +0000

The mother of a young girl who was savaged by a pack of Labradors at an eventing yard weeks after they did the same to a woman delivering hay wants to raise awareness of the devastating consequences if dogs are not under control.

John Hardy, 75, of Coombeland Farm in Devon was given a suspended prison sentence, at Exeter Crown Court on 13 January, for two offences of having dogs dangerously out of control and causing injury.

The court heard the pack had attacked two visitors to the yard within a few weeks, early last year; a woman delivering hay, then the young girl.

“The dogs attacked like a pack of hounds at the kill,” her mother, who cannot be named to avoid identifying the child, told H&H.

The mother had taken both her daughters to view a horse, for her older child. They had finished riding and she was talking to Hardy with the girls nearby.

“Through the archway, these eight Labradors came flat out, barking,” she said. “I didn’t think Labradors would attack a child but they jumped at her, got her on the floor and attacked her.

“They wouldn’t let go. They bit my older daughter’s boots, thankfully they were leather, and they bit me, but while he casually got them off; he showed no urgency. My daughter had 36 bite wounds. To this day, he’s never apologised.

“In court, his barrister said he’s really remorseful and wanted to pass on how sorry he is, but I thought, ‘You’re 75, you can say sorry.’”

The young girl had to go to hospital and still has physical, and mental, scars.

“For her, it’s devastating,” her mother said. “She’s got really nasty PTSD, and horses and dogs go together so she hardly comes to events any more. Even in the town centre, we saw a Labrador before Christmas and it was very old, but she freaked out.

“When it was going on, she was saying, ‘Am I going to die, Mummy? Don’t let me die.’”

After the incident, the mother found out about the other attack.

“He knew how aggressive those dogs were,” she said. “He let it happen.”

“Now, I would be a lot more wary; I’d ask if there are dogs at a property. I’m a dog lover, we’ve got three, but so many people have said they’ve visited a yard and been bitten and I think it goes on quite a lot.

“He’s messed up lives and people need to be aware of dogs on yards, and if you own them, keep them under control.”

The other woman told H&H she had just got out of her vehicle when the pack attacked from behind.

“I didn’t see them coming, didn’t know they were there,” she said. “When you say you got bitten, people think they bit and let go, but they were clamped on, tearing and ripping; they went for the kill. I didn’t really know what was going on, I just felt the pain and couldn’t get away. As I was being dragged away, lumps coming out of me, they were still clamped on.”

The woman spent five days in hospital and had two operations to debride her many wounds, and skin grafts.

“It dragged on for months,” she said. “It was horrendous.”

The woman said Hardy did apologise to her, but took no action to control his dogs; she reported the incident to the police but the pack attacked the girl a few weeks later.

“I didn’t want it to happen to anyone else; my daughter’s four and if it had been her, they’d have got her face,” she said. “But it took the police six weeks to take my statement and in that time, they’d got the little girl.”

The woman said she is now terrified of dogs and echoed the mother’s call for greater awareness.

The court issued five contingent dog destruction orders; three have been put down. Hardy was given a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £5,000 for each victim.

British Horse Society (BHS) safety team leader Des Payne told H&H: “This must have been a horrific incident for those involved and our thoughts are very much with them during this difficult time.

“It sets a reminder to all dog owners that having your dog(s) under close control is extremely important to help prevent incidents. This is even more essential in an equine setting. We can’t forget that horses are flight animals, dogs are natural predators, and unfortunately sometimes these instincts take over and result in undesirable behaviours.”

Between 2010 and August last year, 1,471 dog-related incidents were reported to the BHS; these included three human and 21 equine fatalities and 454 human and 512 equine injuries.

H&H has approached Hardy for comment.

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‘Like a lion taking down its prey’: horse whose jaw was ‘ripped off’ in dog attack had to be put down

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:23:04 +0000

The loaner of a horse who was found with his “jaw hanging off” after a dog attack and had to be put down despite vets’ best efforts said she cannot understand how anyone could leave him in that state.

Kirsty McMath’s 10-year-old gelding Sunny was on loan for her 14-year-old daughter Casey, and an “absolute superstar”. But he had to be put down at the end of July as the injuries the dog inflicted were too severe.

“The guilt, the sorrow and the anger are just overwhelming,” Kirsty told H&H. “And it’s not just our family, it’s Sunny’s owners too, they’re devastated.”

Kirsty said she turned up at the land she rents on 20 July, to ride, and did not at first realise anything was wrong.

“I brought one in, then went back to find Sunny at the gate,” she said. “His jaw was hanging off and there was blood everywhere. I didn’t know what to do.”

Kirsty called the vet, who stitched Sunny up.

“But they realised he wasn’t going to heal; the tissue was just too damaged,” she said. “The vet said the tissue was breaking down. There was a hole right through so anything he tried to eat or drink just came out. I wanted to save him, he was our boy but it was too much to overcome.”

Kirsty contacted Police Scotland but has heard nothing about an investigation. She posted on Facebook in an attempt to find out who owns the dog responsible.

“The field next door had just been baled so they must have decided the field was open,” she said. “We’ve got the right to roam here in Scotland but that doesn’t give you the right to do as you please.”

Kirsty said her vet believes the dog responsible must have been of a large breed.

“The fact this dog has taken down a horse; imagine if Casey had been riding him at the time. You hear about dog attacks on sheep and cattle but I’d never heard of a horse being attacked and killed, so I want to raise awareness that this can happen. This was an avoidable incident.”

The other two horses out with Sunny, cob Angus and Irish sport horse Ruby, were relatively unharmed, although Angus had Sunny’s blood on his neck. Sunny also had bite marks, apart from the fatal jaw injury.

Warning, graphic image

“The dog must have been absolutely covered in blood,” Kirsty said. “Sunny’s legs were covered in bites; I can just imagine it, like a lion taking down its prey. The field is in the middle of two housing estates but no one saw anything, except someone across the road who thought he saw a horse with something hanging from his mouth – and it was actually his mouth hanging off.”

Kirsty added that had the owner come forward at the time, she would be less angry.

“But I’m so angry they left him like that,” she said. “They’re not going to come forward; they had their chance and made their decision but their dog has done this – and will do it again.

“We’d only had Sunny two months, and he’s already qualified for the Pony Club areas in jumping. He was so sweet, and that may be why he got the worst of it; he probably wanted to see what was going on, as he just wanted to be near people and be loved.”

A BHS spokesperson told H&H: “We have been very saddened to hear of the passing of Sunny. Receiving reports of dog attacks is always extremely concerning. The BHS safety team continues to offer all our help and support to Kirsty during this very difficult time.”

The spokesperson said the BHS strongly urges owners to keep dogs under control and ideally on leads near horses.

“Even a dog that is used to being around horses could cause a horse to react, resulting in injury to both the horse and those that care for them,” she said.

“Should the worst happen, and you are attacked while riding, try to remain calm and protect young or vulnerable riders if you’re able to. Keep the horse’s head away from the dog and allow the horse to defend itself, you may even have to distance yourself from the dog by riding away.

“Following the event, it is important to take details from the dog owner in case there is a need to follow up the incident and always report any incidents to the police. We also encourage equestrians to record any incidents via our Horse i app, as this allows us to continue to drive awareness of this very crucial issue.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 6.20pm on Saturday, 20 July, we received a report of horses having been attacked by a dog in the Park Road area of Dumfries.

“One of the horses was euthanised following the incident. Enquiries are ongoing.”

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‘This is for all of us’: rider’s call to Government for better protection from dangerous dogs

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 20:21:10 +0000

A rider who was attacked by a dog last year, and has since had five or six similar near-misses, has launched a Government petition hoping for “better protection for all of us”.

More than 45,000 people signed a previous petition Victoria Privett started on Change.org, and she is hoping for support in her call for a change to dangerous dogs legislation. Victoria started the campaign, which includes videos of good and bad dog ownership, posted on her social media, after she and her mare Darcey were attacked while out hacking last April.

“We were on a bridleway and the dog’s owner took no responsibility at all,” Victoria told H&H.

“She gave false details and basically just walked off. I had it recorded on my GoPro but when I reported it to the police, the officer, who was also a rider, said that because I hadn’t shown any fear on camera, the dog wasn’t seen as out of control.”

Sign the petition

“I contacted my MP and Defra, and Defra said the Dangerous Dogs Act covers out-of-control dogs in public but doesn’t mention horses, or horses and rider, specifically, so that’s the issue. This petition is about making horses part of that legislation.”

“I started coming across amazing, responsible owners too so I thought this could be about public awareness and education,” she said. “I have had some near-misses, or incidents that could have been serious; maybe five or six in the last year that could have been major but were stopped in time.

“I wanted to get people talking but the petition is because I want better protection for all of us, horses and riders. It’s not about the dogs themselves, it’s about holding owners responsible, proportionately to the incident.”

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‘It was at his throat’: horse and rider chased into livery yard by dog on private lane

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 20:21:16 +0000

A rider who was chased by a “bully type” dog along a private lane and into her yard said owners need to be aware of the dangers of out-of-control dogs.

Katie Brown was riding her Welsh section D Peter, who came second at Horse of the Year Show last year, and was supposed only to be walking as he is recovering from a tweaked ligament, near her livery yard on 7 February when the dog attacked.

“Every time I close my eyes, I see it happen,” Katie told H&H. “It sounds over-dramatic but it terrified me – and it could have happened to a child.”

Katie and a friend were hacking on the private lane, next to which is a public footpath.

“People cut across to get to the footpath,” she said. “As we were walking up it, I felt my horse go ‘What’s that?’; I knew there was something there.

“Then this dog came running up. I said ‘Grab him as my horse will kick’. You can read dogs, can’t you, and when they go low like that – I thought ‘This is going to have us’.

“It came straight for me and was circling and nipping. It was up at his throat, my leg; I knew we had to go because standing still wasn’t helping.”

Peter turned and went for home, the dog lunging at him, Katie said.

“We got to the yard and there was concrete,” she added. “My feet were stuck in the stirrups and I thought if he fell, I wasn’t going to be able to kick them out. The dog was still coming.

“I got into the yard and into my stable; the farmer and his wife were there and I was screaming for help. One of the broodmares had her head over the gate and the dog was trying to grab her face.”

Katie said the owner appeared and caid the dog had “never done that before”.

“It had absolutely no recall, why the hell was it off the lead?” she said.

Katie described the dog as a bully type, with a “massive head”, and she estimated its height at over the 20 inches set out in the conformation standard set by the Government when the XL bully type was banned last year.

She reported the issue, but “The police have been horrendous,” she said.

“The attitude was that ‘It’s only a horse’; they’re not bothered. They were trying to persuade me not to go on with it but I want it dealt with. If it had been my mum on her 13hh pony or a child; I dread to think. It was on a private lane too, which he shouldn’t have been on.”

Katie’s foot was bitten but she was otherwise unharmed, and she said Peter still seems sound, although he was sharp and nervous when she next hacked out.

“If nothing comes of this, that’s the way it is but it’s about highlighting the danger; dog owners need to realise,” she said. “If I’d fallen, I could have come to serious harm; the dog was having some that day.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary confirmed officers were called after the incident.

“The caller reported they were riding a horse in a field when a dog ran towards them and started to attack them,” the spokesman told H&H. There were no reports of any injuries.

“The breed of the dog has not yet been confirmed and enquiries are currently ongoing.”

Dog owner claimed her pet was ‘traumatised’ after it ‘launched itself’ at horse and rider

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:20:22 +0000

A rider who was injured, as was her horse, when a loose dog “launched itself” at them in a country park has urged owners to keep their pets under control.

Pauline McAllister and her 10-year-old mare Greenore Jill (Georgie) are both “sore and stiff” as a result of the incident, in County Down, Northern Ireland, on 4 January.

“I’m a tough old bird – but if it had been a child, it could have been really bad,” Pauline told H&H.

Pauline explained that riders pay Newry, Mourne and Down District Council £25 for annual permits to ride in the 200-acre Delamont Country Park, and she goes a couple of times a week.

“I usually go on my own, or meet with friends; this time my friend was riding my young horse for his first trip,” she said. “We were in front and my horse just stopped and stood as still as a rock. She doesn’t look at things but she’d seen the woman hiding.”

On Pauline’s hatcam video, the unseen woman can be heard saying the dog “doesn’t like horses”. After loud barking, the dog can be seen shooting out of the hedge, straight at the group.

“The dog launched itself at us – and you can see the outcome,” Pauline said. “My horse spun round and went under the trees, and I got knocked off and ended up on my back. My head hit the only bit of tarmac around; it was horrible. But my horse just stood over me and stayed there, even though the dog was round her.”

Pauline said the dog ran back towards its owner, who was still “hiding in the bushes”.

Video includes some swearing

“My friend said ‘Your dog’s just attacked the horses’ and she said it ‘hasn’t been near any horses’ and ‘You’ve traumatised my dog’,” Pauline said. “She didn’t come to see if I was ok, she was crying about her dog. I’ve got dogs and if one of mine had done that, I’d have been mortified.”

Pauline said two of her fellow riders, whose horses had also been upset, rode off in the opposite direction, while she and her friend on the youngster walked back to the car park.

She spoke to the park warden, who went to find the woman and take her details, and has also spoken to the British Horse Society legal team and the police, as well as the council.

“I completed a council accident form but we’ve had issues with dogs there before,” she said. “I don’t want to cause an argument with the council but there’s no way I’m going back there on my own; I don’t know what I’d have done if I had been on my own last week.”

Pauline added that Georgie has been slightly lame since the attack, and had to have physio, and Pauline had “spent the past week hobbling about”. She had to pay someone to look after her horses, and will have to buy a new hat.

“But I just want Georgie to be all right,” she said. “Owners should be more responsible. In that park there’s a huge field that’s completely enclosed, so dogs can run around and have a great time. But in the rest of the park, there are signs saying they should be on leads. There’s a huge number of dogs bought in lockdown and not socialised properly, and running around off the lead, it’s just awful.

“There are too many incidents, and I’ve seen awful things. Owners need to be more responsible.”

A spokesman for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council told H&H: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is aware of the matter and an investigation is ongoing, therefore, no further comment can be provided at this time.”

Guilty: man ‘made no attempt to help’ as his dog attacked police horse

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:04:25 +0000

A man who “made no attempt to help” as his dog attacked an on-duty police horse causing “nasty injuries” has pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

Hakan Niyazi Candermir, of Campbell Road, London, admitted the offence when he appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 28 September. The 25-year-old is yet to be sentenced.

H&H reported on the incident in March; Police Horse Urbane was attacked in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers and horses were on a routine patrol in Victoria Park when they came across Candermir, who was walking his dog.

“Unprovoked, the dog began attacking the horse and Candermir was unable to control the dog or get him away from PH Urbane.”

Superintendent Martin Kirby, from the Met’s Taskforce, said it was a “very shocking event”, which “could have been easily avoided if the dog was being responsibly looked after and was on a lead”.

“Instead, Urbane was bitten by an out-of-control dog, receiving nasty injuries including tears and lacerations, while carrying out his duty,” he added.

The Met spokesman said a member of the public managed to stop the attack, by “hitting the dog multiple times and then managing to get hold of the dog and move it away from PH Urbane”.

“It was at this point, after no attempt to help during the incident, the suspect then put the dog back on the lead,” the spokesman said.

“During this attack PH Urbane sustained eight lacerations from dog bites and needed stitches to his torso and legs after receiving wounds to his front legs, chest and underbelly.”

Urbane spent time recuperating, at the Met’s Imber Court and then at the Horse Trust.

Mr Kirby said: “Urbane had to take several months off duty to recover from his injuries but thankfully he’s now fully recovered and back patrolling the streets of London.

“He is generally very comfortable around dogs and we were particularly worried that this attack would affect the way he interacts with other animals. Happily, he’s just as relaxed with dogs as he’s always been.”

“Whilst there continue to be noteworthy and sometimes tragic cases of dogs dangerously out of control in public I’m pleased to say that the majority of dog owners are responsible. This case illustrates why always having control of your dog is so important.

“I would also praise the calm actions of PS Mann who was riding PH Urbane, and who dealt with a difficult situation with professionalism and fortitude.”

Police horse and rider injured after dog runs out of house and attacks

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:46:37 +0000

An on-duty police horse and mounted officer were both injured after a dog ran out of a house in London and attacked.

The two members of the Metropolitan Police mounted branch were on routine duty in Maroon Street, Stepney, east London, on Friday afternoon (18 August), when “one of the police horses was bitten by a dog which ran out from a nearby house”, a spokesman for the force said.

“The rider of the horse, a police constable, was unseated and sustained a minor injury. She did not require hospital treatment.”

The spokesman said the horse sustained injuries to one leg, adding: “It bolted from the scene but was recovered by officers a short distance away with no further incident.”

The dog also sustained a minor injury “as a result of being trodden on by the horse”.

Both animals were seen by a police vet and it was found that neither was seriously hurt, the spokesman said.

The dog is still in police kennels, and an offence of a dog being dangerously out of control has been recorded but no arrests have been made.

Concerns as massive rise in cases where dogs scare or attack horses

Becky Murray — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:50:47 +0000

“Worrying” new figures show dog-related incidents around horses have risen by 111% in two years.

The British Horse Society (BHS) reported that the number of incidents involving dogs logged with the society increased from 170 in 2020 to 359 in 2022. Since 2010 there have been 2,818 incidents reported to the BHS Horse i app, including 29 equine fatalities, three human fatalities, 708 horse injuries and 739 human injuries. The incidents related to ridden and carriage driven horses, and horses in fields.

The BHS has issued guidance intended to help dog walkers and the general public “continue to enjoy the outdoors, alongside horses, safely and considerately”.

“Horses can be easily frightened by an over-enthusiastic dog; they are unable to distinguish between whether a dog is playing with them or attacking them, especially if the dogs are off the lead and do not have good recall. This can result in potentially fatal injuries to the horse, rider, dog and anyone in the vicinity,” said a BHS spokesman.

“To reduce risk, it is vitally important that dog owners and riders appreciate and respect each other when out walking and hacking. The BHS strives to support this collaborative approach by releasing educational advice for dog owners and horse owners.”

“We would ask all dog owners to act responsibly around horses and if in doubt make sure your dog is on a lead. We encourage riders to follow some simple steps too, including wearing high-vis to enable other route users to see you and to always slow to a walk to pass dogs,” he said.

Kay Scott-Jarvis, founder and head coach at riding school Rockstar Equine in Staffordshire, has experienced “first-hand how critical is it that dog owners and riders support one another”.

“Towards the end of a recent trail ride, my team were approached by three dogs at speed and no owner in sight. One dog unfortunately got hold of the hind leg of one of our ponies. In turn, a child became unseated and fell from the pony on to hard stone and gravel,” said Ms Scott-Jarvis.

For further advice visit: www.bhs.org.uk/dogs

Rider injured in ‘fall at speed’ as ‘pit bull’ let loose chased her horse

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:48:48 +0000

A rider “fell off at speed” when a dog believed to be a pit bull was let off its lead and chased her horse.

Greater Manchester Police have released a picture (above) of two people they would like to speak to as they investigate the “frightening” incident, which took place in Altrincham at about 6.50pm on 6 July.

“The woman was riding her horse in a field near to the Woodhouse Lane Waste and Recycling Centre, in an area known as The Moss,” a police spokesman said.

“Two males approached the woman, before letting their dog, believed to be a pit bull, off its lead. The dog chased the horse, causing the rider to fall off at speed, and resulting in non life-threatening or life-changing injuries.”

The men left the area, police said. It is understood that the horse was uninjured but that it took the rider some time to “find and calm the animal”.

PC Lee, from Greater Manchester Police’s Trafford district, said: “This was a very frightening incident for the rider, who was hurt as a result of the dog running towards her.

“We are currently looking into all relevant lines of enquiry, and I would ask anyone who knows anything to please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, quoting crime reference number CRI/06MM/0012349/23, or make a report online. There is also the option to call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

Pony suffers extensive facial injuries in suspected dog attack Warning: graphic image

Becky Murray — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:40:57 +0000

A Shetland pony who suffered extensive injuries to his face in a suspected dog attack is recovering in the care of Redwings.

Alfie was discovered in his paddock with a “nasty wound”, and owing to his “fear of being handled” his owner contacted Redwings for help.

“Alfie is a nervous pony, and his owner realised they would need help to catch him and assess the extent of his injury,” said Julie Harding, Redwings senior field officer and reception centre manager.

“Members of our welfare team attended to assist, and sedated Alfie with a syringe-pole so that a thorough veterinary investigation could be carried out.”

Julie added that the wound was much more extensive than first thought, and urgent treatment was needed to remove infected tissue.

“Although no one witnessed what happened, the wound was consistent with a dog bite, and we believe that’s the most likely cause,” she said.

**Warning: very graphic image**

“We have a lot of experience with handling nervous and semi-feral ponies and an in-house veterinary team, and Alfie’s owner and vet agreed that signing him over to Redwings’ care would be best for his ongoing treatment and recovery. Alfie’s owner did the very best thing for him, in really upsetting and unforeseen circumstances, and we’re glad that we were able to help.”

Alfie was taken to the charity’s quarantine centre for new arrivals on 1 June.

“Thanks to the dedication of the team, who have been changing his bandages every two to three days, the wound is healing well,” said Nic de Bruawere, Redwings head of welfare and behaviour.

“That part of the head is full of very important structures that could have been permanently damaged, including his salivary gland, and had the potential to cause life-long issues for Alfie and be twice as hard to manage with his fear of being handled,” he said.

“He still has a long way to go but he’s in the right place and it’s looking positive. When he’s ready he’ll start working with our specialist behavioural centre team to help him overcome the trauma from his injury and be more comfortable with human contact.”

Alfie is continuing to recover at Redwings (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Nic added that the team is grateful to veterinary wound expert Georgie Hollies of Intelligent Wound Care, who has been treating Alfie.

“Georgie previously assisted us with the care of Phoenix, the foal who came to Redwings in 2021 with extensive burns from an arson attack,” he said.

“Alfie has even been wearing Phoenix’s special hood, to secure his bandages, which had previously been donated by kind Redwings supporters.”

Horse and rider injured in incident with ‘aggressive’ Alsatian

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:04:39 +0000

Police have warned owners of the need to keep dogs under control, after a rider fell off and both she and her horse were injured.

Gloucestershire Constabulary is investigating an incident in Stroud on Saturday (24 June) when a loose dog spooked a ridden horse.

“It was reported that a woman was riding her horse across Bear Hill in Rodborough at around 11.45am when an Alsatian-type dog ran up to the horse in what was described as an aggressive manner,” a spokesman for the force said. “This spooked the horse, which caused it to run away and the rider fell off in the process.”

The spokesman added that both the rider and the horse, who was found later, more than a mile away, both sustained minor injuries.

PC Melanie Campbell said: “This incident is a reminder to all dog owners to keep their dogs under control, especially around horses, whether out on a hack or in a field.

“This incident could have had a different outcome for both the rider and the horse and it’s lucky they weren’t seriously injured.”

Officers have asked anyone who saw what happened or knows the owner of the dog to come forward.

Anyone with information can complete a form on the police website, quoting incident number 378 of 24 June.

‘Big-hearted’ police horse viciously attacked by dog returns to work

Lucy Elder — Thu, 25 May 2023 13:32:54 +0000

A police horse who sustained horrific injuries in a dog attack in a London park has returned to work after a successful recovery.

Urbane suffered wounds to his chest, torso and legs in the attack in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, while on duty with the mounted brand of the Met Police in March.

The gelding spent four weeks recuperating at The Horse Trust and the charity has said he “will be very welcome any time”, as he heads back to the capital.

“He immediately settled in and became a firm favourite of all the grooms due to his wonderful character and nature,” said Russ Pickin, director of equine care at The Horse Trust.

“Urbane seemed to love his time here and integrated seamlessly with the other horses he shared his field with, and they too, very quickly grew to like him.

“It was an absolute pleasure to have Urbane with us and look after him during his respite and it was with sadness but very fond memories that we saw him walk up the ramp of the police lorry ready to go back to his duties of serving London.”

The police horse has been on duty at events including Trooping the Colour, changing of the guard, The late Queen’s funeral, plus football matches and demonstrations.

“He suffered appalling injuries, and The Horse Trust was the right place for him to come to continue his recovery,” said the charity’s chief executive, Jeanette Allen.

“Like all our horses here at The Horse Trust, Urbane is a brave, big-hearted, loveable animal. He has a wonderful character and it has been a true pleasure to have got to know him over the last month.

“As we have specialist skills in caring for police horses, we were honoured to have been entrusted with Police Horse Urbane and to have helped him on his recovery journey.”

Police horse injured in vicious dog attack ‘inundated with treats and apples’ as he recovers

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:32:15 +0000

The police horse who suffered multiple injuries in a dog attack in London last week has been “inundated with apples and treats” as he recovers.

Footage emerged last week of the attack, in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, on 22 March. Two mounted officers were on duty as the dog repeatedly attacked one of the horses.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said at the time that the horse, Urbane, needed stitches to the wounds he suffered.

In an update after the incident, a spokesman for the force said the seven-year-old gelding had sustained wounds to his front legs, chest and belly, and was recuperating in the Met stables outside central London.

“He is being seen daily by a vet, who is making sure he is as comfortable as possible,” the spokesman said. “It is believed he will make a full recovery.

“Urbane has been inundated with apples and treats from concerned and kind members of the public.”

The spokesman added that the officer riding Urbane was not physically injured, and is being supported by his mounted branch colleagues.

In a further update, the spokesman thanked all those who had expressed their concern and sent good wishes to Urbane and his rider.

“The officers and horses at Bow Mounted Branch are very touched by all the kind words and support shown,” he said.

The dog was taken into police kennels after the incident.

Police horse needed stitches after vicious dog attack on duty

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:17:16 +0000

A police horse had to have stitches after it was attacked by a dog while on duty yesterday (22 March).

The dog was seized after the incident, in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets.

Video shared on social media shows two mounted police officers riding bay horses, one which was the target of the attack. The dog can be seen continually leaping at the distressed horse, which spun and side-stepped as it tried to avoid the dog.

As bystanders yelled “Get hold of the dog”, and “Whose dog is it”, the horse repeatedly went down on to its knees, as it appeared the dog’s teeth were sunk into its leg.

Eventually, someone grabbed the dog and pulled it away, and the officer managed to dismount from the horse.

@lailaboll Watch at your own discretion #victoriapark #london ♬ original sound – Laila Bell

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told H&H: “On Wednesday, 22 March a dog was seized in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, after it attacked a police horse.

“The horse required stitches and is expected to return to duty following its recovery. The dog remains in police kennels and officers are in contact with its owner.

“No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.”

‘So many people find animals dead’: owner of horses attacked by dog calls for action

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:59:52 +0000

The owner of two horses who were chased and attacked in their own field says “something needs to be done” to ensure owners are accountable for their dogs’ actions.

Julie Mann contacted H&H in response to a report of two dog attacks on ridden horses within a week last month. Her horses Rubio and Kir were chased in November – but she did not realise straight away.

“It was a really weird one,” she said. “When I got them in, I realised one was walking very slowly. The vet came out and he had some damage to one leg; then I realised the other one had marks on his face. The vet said they’d probably had a fight; I didn’t really believe that as they’d never fought in the past but thought maybe they had.”

About a month later, Julie was hacking out when a man stopped her.

“He asked if I knew whose the horses were and if they were ok after the dog attack,” she said. “I said ‘What dog attack?’ He said he’d seen a lady, and a dog chasing the horses, but didn’t know what to do as he had a child and his own dog with him. A few weeks later, my fence energiser was stolen and when I looked at the footage from my field camera, I realised it had recorded the whole episode.”

The motion-activated camera had caught at least five minutes of the pale dog chasing the two Spanish geldings.

“It was pretty awful,’ Julie said. “You can hear the owners shouting to each other. You’d have hoped someone would tell you if that happened; it was about 12.30pm and I didn’t get there till 4.30pm, so the horses were injured for a long time. But I reported it to police and they said they can’t do anything as it doesn’t come under any laws.”

Avon and Somerset Police told H&H the rural affairs team has since reviewed the incident and will be recording it as livestock worrying.

H&H has reported on the frustration felt by horse owners about the ability police have to deal with such incidents under current legislation, although some forces have issued warnings to the owners of dogs who have caused incidents by chasing horses. The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, introduced to parliament in 2021, would give police more powers to protect livestock, including horses, from dangerous and out-of-control dogs.

“It’s a shame when you’ve got video evidence, that the police can’t do anything,” Julie said. “My horses put up a fight; the dog was injured, but you can’t phone vets or anything, and it’s a shame when there are lots of animals being attacked. Horses don’t necessarily come under livestock and it feels they’re falling though the gaps; it’s scary.”

“My camera was facing the paddock and you could see the dog was having a craic,” she said. “You can see it grabbing my horse’s leg, and jumping for the jugular of the other one. It got kicked a few times and I think it might have broken its jaw. It was upsetting to watch but luckily they seem to be ok; I can’t believe they’re not traumatised.

“The good thing is that they looked after themselves but this is going on in lots of places, and for the owner not even to come and find out if they were ok. I feel awful about it and I’m lucky they’re ok as so many people find livestock dead. Something needs to be done.”

‘Do you know what you’ve done?’: two riders speak out after terrifying dog attacks on beaches

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:51:04 +0000

The owners of two horses who were attacked in separate beach incidents within a week have urged owners to keep their dogs on leads, as the consequences in both cases could have been so much worse.

Adrian Geurtjens and his part-Shire Max were chased for 10 minutes in Anglesey on Saturday (28 January), four days after a dog latched on to Heather Evans’ cob Harvey in Wallasey.

Both horses, riders and dogs were unharmed, but both owners told H&H the incidents could have been much worse.

Heather was filming her sharer riding Harvey on the beach when the dog appeared.

“If I’d had my youngster there, the dog would have been dead,” she told H&H. “It just shows how good Harvey is.”

Heather said it was her part-loaner’s first beach ride, and she had been nervous beforehand.

“Lil’s just getting her confidence back and didn’t want to go on her own so I said I’d be there if anything happened.” she said.

“She said she had a lovely ride; he was fantastic, and I was filming them coming back. I didn’t think anything of the dog at first, and it went back to his owner, but when she went off, it lost it, and started chasing her.”

Posted by on

Heather said the dog was biting at Harvey’s feet, and as shown in the video, it repeatedly leapt up above hock height. Eventually, the rider dismounted but the dog carried on attacking.

“I think the last time, it jumped over his back; that was the last straw and Harvey went up a bit,” Heather said. “Lil stumbled back and had to let go and Harvey ran off with the dog still behind him.”

Heather said what happened next is a blur; she remembers Harvey stopping and looking back at her but seeing the dog and carrying on. A cyclist stopped to help and eventually both horse and dog were back with their owners.

“The dog’s owner didn’t even apologise to me,” Heather said. “Lil said he said ‘I’m so sorry’ to her when it was biting Harvey’s feet but he knew who I was and said nothing to me. I’m hoping someone will know who he is so I can say ‘Do you know what you’ve done?’ People need to think. He’s very lucky his dog’s ok and no one’s suing him for the death of an animal or a person, which could have happened because of his stupidity.”

Heather has since ridden Harvey on the beach and said he was alert but she thinks he will regain his confidence. And although Lil’s could have been knocked, she is also refusing to be cowed.

“She said Harvey behaved in such a way that it gave her confidence,” Heather said. “She said she’s happy to go back there now she knows how he reacts, and if she can cope with that, she can cope with anything. I’m so proud of both of them.”

Adrian also caught his experience on film, on his hat camera.

He told H&H that despite his 6’4” height, and Max’s 17.2hh, it was intimidating to be targeted by the spaniel.

“The video I’ve shared is only the end of the incident; the rest is with the police,” he said.

“It went on so long; the owner was hopeless. I’ve had dogs running alongside barking before but nothing to this extent, but this seems to be happening more and more.”

Adrian said he and Max had just got on to the beach when he saw the dog, at what he said was enough distance for the owner to recall it. But although the walker did secure his other dog, the spaniel “wasn’t having it”.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Max is really good with dogs; if he wasn’t, he could have killed it,” he said.

“It wasn’t too bad at first, just a bit opinionated, so I took Max in the sea. It stayed with us and eventually, Max had had enough and he took off up the beach with the dog under his feet.”

Adrian said he was concerned as there is a concrete area at the far end of the beach but he managed to pull Max up before it. Even after he dismounted, the dog was still circling.

“It was bad enough for me but if it had been a child on a pony, or on a busy day; someone could have been knocked over. It’s scary,” he said.

“When the owner eventually got hold of it, he just went and drove off. If it had been my dog, I’d have been mortified and really apologised but he just went.”

Adrian recorded the owner’s numberplate and passed that and his video to police, who told H&H their enquiries are ongoing. But both owners want to raise awareness among dog owners of the possible consequences of their actions.

“Let’s hope this prevents this happening again, to us or anyone else,” Heather said. “If it saves one rider, one horse or one dog, it’s worth it.”

‘It doesn’t bear thinking about’: young child escapes injury as out-of-control dog attacks pony

Becky Murray — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 11:03:06 +0000

A mother has said it doesn’t “bear thinking about” what could have happened after her young child escaped injury when an out-of-control dog broke loose from a garden and attacked her tiny pony.

Holly Bailey was on foot accompanying her seven-year-old daughter Elizabeth on her 11.2hh Welsh section A gelding Dollar on a lane in Hambledon, Hampshire, on 23 June when they could hear barking coming from a garden.

Holly told H&H as they passed the property an Alsatian appeared from under a hedge by the garden fence.

“We were with my friend and her little girl was on her pony in front of us. The dog veered towards us, barking viciously and baring its teeth. I went to grab Dollar but he spun away to get away from the dog,” she said.

“The dog went to bite Dollar and as he went sideways he slipped and his legs went from beneath him. He nearly went down but somehow still stayed upright with Elizabeth on top. As he scrambled to get to his feet we realised he had a tooth mark at his stifle and had grazed his legs.”

Holly said the dog went back into the garden and the owner, an elderly man, came out but did not know what to do.

“He said ‘Oh dear’ and that was it. My friend and I were in shock from what happened and didn’t want a confrontation, we just wanted to make sure the girls and ponies were ok and get them home safely,” she said.

“We walked them to a neighbour who lives about 10 minutes from us and I rang my husband James, and got Dollar checked over. We then walked him back to our yard.”

Holly sought advice from her vet regarding Dollar’s bite, and she said he is sound and physically recovering well.

“The mental scars are going to take longer to heal. Dollar has always been good with dogs, we have Labradors, but since that happened he’s been very anxious so we’re trying to slowly desensitise him. Elizabeth has been back on him, but we haven’t been out hacking again,” said Holly.

“We were at Hickstead at the weekend watching and Elizabeth heard dogs barking and instantly she was looking around and I could see from her face she was worried.”

Holly reported the incident to the police and hopes to raise more awareness among dog and horse owners about what can happen when dogs are out-of-control or have not received proper training.

“Dollar didn’t deserve this – he’s a lovely pony. I completely believe he was trying to protect Elizabeth and keep her in the saddle. If he had gone down on his side, or bolted down the road, it doesn’t bear thinking about what could have happened. It was absolutely terrifying and had started off as a lovely potter after school,” she said.

“I’ve since heard from other people in the area that similar incidents have happened with the dog escaping before, but Dollar is the first to be bitten. I hope action will be taken and if anyone experiences anything similar they report the incident.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman told H&H officers have visited the dog owner’s and liaised with the local dog warden.

‘He didn’t deserve that’: horse dies after being bitten by dog on bridleway

Becky Murray — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:03:23 +0000

The owner of a horse who died “needlessly” after he was bitten by a dog hopes to raise awareness of what can happen, even if a dog is on a lead.

Sarah Lord was riding her 11-year-old gelding Frank on a bridleway in Birtle, Bury, on 7 March when they passed a man with a border collie. Sarah told H&H the dog was on a lead, but it jumped up and “latched” on to Frank’s shoulder.

“It was completely unexpected, the dog seemed very controlled and didn’t show signs he was going to attack,” said Sarah, who was with her partner Liam on his horse Stanley, and her friend Summer on her horse Apache.

“Blood was trickling down Frank’s leg and the man just stood there. When I said his dog had bitten Frank and to come and look, he said ‘I’m not coming near that thing’ and walked off.”

Sarah led Frank back to the yard and cleaned him up, but the next day his whole shoulder had swollen and she called the vet.

“The vet gave it another clean and gave Frank a course of antibiotics, and everything seemed ok,” she said.

“We thought the wound was healing but then he developed an infection and pus? started oozing out at the back of his knees, which the vet said was the infection trying to come out at the weakest point. This went on for the next two to three weeks and he had three courses of antibiotics to try and get on top of the infection. Some days it would look like it was healing, but then it would come back.”

Sarah said the vet took swabs and bloods from Frank, but he continued to get worse and the decision was made to put him down last Monday (4 April).

“On Monday morning Frank couldn’t walk, the infection had taken over his body and he developed stress laminitis. His legs were so swollen with the infection, he needed to keep moving but he couldn’t because he was so crippled,” she said.

“We were against a rock and a hard place and we had to make the decision to let him go. You could see how fed up he was, and I couldn’t leave him like that – he didn’t deserve that.

“It’s devastating, he was our family horse and he was everything to us. I lost a mare five years ago and I wasn’t going to get another one, I came across Frank through a friend and he wasn’t for sale at the time but they sold him to me and he helped me get over my mare. He’s helped all of us over the years,” she said.

Sarah has been trying to find the dog owner and hopes he will come forward.

“At the time of the incident I was so in shock at what happened that I didn’t think to ask for his details,” she said.

“I put a post up on Facebook and have been overwhelmed by how much it has been shared. We have been left with vet costs of more than £1,000 and I just want him to do the right thing, but I know it won’t bring Frank back.”

Sarah has urged dog owners to give horses more space and to be prepared for the unexpected.

‘It would have killed me’: horse and rider traumatised by terrifying dog attack

Becky Murray — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:39:22 +0000

A rider who was attacked by an out-of-control dog believes he would have been killed had he not been carrying a whip.

Adam Walker was returning from a hack on his 23-year-old gelding Jaws, with Laura Evans riding rescue pony Tess, on 1 January, when they saw a man who appeared to be looking for a dog at Camp Hill, Nuneaton, in Warwickshire.

“We were at the top of the hill and eventually I saw a Staffordshire bull terrier appear beside the man and I thought he had hold of it, so we started making my way down the hill,” Adam told H&H.

“All of a sudden the dog came charging at us flat out from 30 feet away. It was completely out of control and baring its teeth.”

Adam said the dog was biting at Jaws’ legs.

“Jaws went berserk and I came off,” he said. “Then the dog turned on me while I was on the floor. I still had hold of Jaws and I hit the dog with my whip, and it went back to Jaws and was jumping up at his stomach and biting his legs. All that dog wanted to do was kill, you could see it in its eyes.

“Jaws then double-barrelled the dog, I heard a crack and the dog whimper. At first I thought Jaws had broken his leg, but I think it was the dog who was injured. It then ran towards Laura and Tess, but Laura was able to get off and had her whip in her hand and the dog ran off.”

Adam said although the dog’s owner apologised and asked if they were ok, he made no attempt to get hold of the dog during the attack, and he left the scene after it happened.

“I busted my ankle and had rip marks on my coat, but Jaws thankfully wasn’t badly injured. He had some scratches but because he was kicking out I don’t think the dog could get a proper hold of him,” he said.

“We walked the horses home and immediately reported it to the police and the British Horse Society.”

Adam and Laura have been out with Jaws and Tess since the incident, but Adam said he cannot describe how “traumatised” he was by the attack.

“I swear had I not had my whip and if that dog had got its mouth round my neck, it would have killed me. It meant what it was doing and would have shown no mercy,” he said.

“Every time Jaws hears a dog barking he jumps and he seemed really traumatised for the first few days after the incident but he’s getting better.”

Adam would like to see tougher laws surrounding out-of-control dogs.

“The Government has to do something about irresponsible dog owners and dangerous dogs. I read about France bringing in certificates to own horses, and while I think it would be great to have that for horses here, we should also be doing it for dogs,” he said.

“I’m glad Laura and Tess weren’t injured, especially after all the hard work we’ve put into Tess, but nobody should be put in that position.”

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said the force was aware of the incident. Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting incident 207 of 1 January.

‘The dog went for me over and over again’: rider bitten in terrifying attack

Becky Murray — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 20:03:26 +0000

A rider suffered multiple bite wounds and had an asthma attack as she tried to get away from an out-of-control dog in a terrifying attack.

Freelance trainer Ashleigh Compton was returning from a hack with a client’s pony, Sparks, on 6 September at Dapwell Lane, near Queen Charlton, Somerset, when a collie-type brown and white dog appeared.

“The dog was circling around Sparks’ feet and in the distance I could hear a man shouting for it, but I couldn’t work out where he was. Sparks started to dance around and reared so I thought I would be better off on the ground and decided to get off,” she told H&H.

“Suddenly the dog went for me over and over again. It was biting at my arms and legs and there was nothing I could do but Sparks was so good and stayed with me. I decided to run leading Sparks and the dog chased us 100 yards, then as we turned a corner it ran off. I couldn’t see the owner but I assume he was in one of the fields either side of the lane. He must have heard what was happening – there’s no way he couldn’t know.”

Ashleigh suffered an asthma attack as she made her way back to the yard.

“I took my inhaler multiple times but I wasn’t getting any better and when I got to the yard I phoned for an ambulance,” said Ashleigh.

“There was nobody on the yard but a lady was walking on the footpath that runs alongside the yard and saw me so she waited with me until the ambulance arrived. She went to the end of the driveway to see if she could see it coming and came across a couple out for a walk who happened to be doctors so they came to help too.”

Ashleigh was treated at hospital for her asthma and seven bite marks; one on her arm and the rest on her leg, including one that had gone through her boot. She has since put an appeal on Facebook to try and find the dog’s owner.

Ashleigh’s injuries (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I had no idea my post would get the response it did, it’s been shared more than 1,000 times and I’ve had a lot of supportive messages. The main reason I want to find the owner is it is clearly a very unhappy dog, and had that been a child you don’t want to think about what might have happened. I’m a real dog lover and had dogs in the past but people need to have better recall and be aware that these animals are bred to chase things – and they do,” she said.

“I also want to raise awareness of the What3Words app. With my job I go all over the place and even though I know the area reasonably well I didn’t know the road names and the yard is quite out of the way, so trying to tell someone exactly where you are when you’re panicking is difficult. I couldn’t breathe very well and couldn’t describe how to get the ambulance to me. I’ve had the app on my phone for more than a year and never opened it until that moment. I think it’s really important for riders, walkers and cyclists to have it god forbid something happens and you’re trying to get help.”

Avon & Somerset Police is appealing for information about the dog attack, which took place at around 1.30pm.

“If you have any information which could help officers to identify the dog’s owner, please call 101 quoting reference 5221207041,” said a police spokesman.

Ban on live export for slaughter and protection from dog attacks on Government’s agenda

Becky Murray — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 16:49:28 +0000

The Government’s “action plan for animal welfare” – including a proposed ban on live exports for slaughter and new legislation on livestock worrying – was introduced in parliament this week.

The plans come under the new Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill which had its first reading on Tuesday (8 June). If the Bill is successful, the UK will become the first European country to end the practice of live exports for slaughter. The new legislation will also give new powers to the police to provide greater protection to livestock, including horses, from dangerous and out-of-control dogs.

Improving welfare during transport for equines destined for slaughter is the founding issue of World Horse Welfare and the charity welcomes the Government’s plans.

“Where equines are to be slaughtered, we believe this should happen as close to their point of origin as possible,” said World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers.

“By their very nature, equines transported to slaughter may be more susceptible to health and welfare risks on long journeys. For this reason, a ban on movements for slaughter out of Great Britain is excellent news.”

But Mr Owers added that “in reality”, nothing will change until a fully digitised system of equine identification and traceability of horse movement is in place.

“There have been no declarations of equines being exported for slaughter from Great Britain for many years, but horses and ponies are exported for a variety of reasons and there is no way to guarantee that a horse declared as being exported for another purpose will not go directly for meat,” he said.

“Until there is full traceability within and outside of the UK it is not possible to know where exported horses end up.”

A spokesman for the charity added that many equines transported under the radar are also not being declared as commercial movements.

“This means some transporters are not complying with welfare during transport legislation, which applies only to commercial transporters, and equines are being transported long distances in often cramped conditions,” said the spokesman.

“An effective and reliable equine ID and traceability system is vital to help tackle the grey area of transporters falsely identifying as not for slaughter or not commercial slipping under the radar at border crossings. Appropriate checks and the resources available to undertake them are also needed to enable the new legislation to be enforceable.”

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(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

‘Cancel out cruelty once and for all’: tougher sentences for animal abusers made law four years on

“This reform is long overdue – for many years, the most violent and horrific abuse and cruelty received a maximum

(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

‘Once in a generation‘ opportunity in fight against long-distance transport for slaughter

(Image credit: Eleanor Jones)

The spokesman said the charity also welcomes the plans relating to livestock worrying of animals in England and Wales.

“Attacks on horses by out-of-control dogs is a worrying problem for owners and riders, and the new legislation will confer additional powers on the police, allowing them to identify owners and their animals and take action. The legislation includes more than what is traditionally considered as agricultural land, so covers horses grazing in a variety of situations, such as on allotments, or on roads and paths, which is a positive development for equines and their riders when out hacking,” he said.

“The Bill will now require further readings in parliament before being set into law. Further bills based on the government’s action plan for animal welfare are expected in the coming months.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘Why should I?’: dog owner refuses to put out-of-control collies on leads as horse injured

Becky Murray — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 16:03:00 +0000

A dog owner ignored riders’ pleas for help as her two collies circled and snapped at them — even after one horse was badly kicked by the other.

Catriona McCartney-Kitson and her friend Neve were riding Ricky and Zula on the bridlepath at Blaise Castle Estate, Bristol, on 11 April when the two dogs came at “full pelt” towards them.

Catriona told H&H she and Neve called out to ask who the dogs belonged to but there was no owner in sight.

“The dogs came flying from the other end of the estate and started jumping up at the horses. They were barking and snapping at their faces and legs, and started circling them like they were trying to herd them,” said.

“Ricky and Zula behaved impeccably, we could tell they were upset but they stood and remained calm. Eventually the owner appeared and I realised it was someone we’ve had similar encounters with before.”

Catriona asked the owner to put her dogs on the lead but she refused.

“She said ‘why should I? They’re only playing’ and then shouted at us that we shouldn’t have been there, even though it was a bridlepath,”

“We decided to try to walk away but as we did one of the dogs went for Zula’s back legs. He kicked out and caught Ricky square in the middle of his leg. I could feel Ricky freeze beneath me and he didn’t want to move. He had blood pouring down his leg”.

**Warning: graphic image of injury**

“The woman saw what happened but kept repeating that we shouldn’t have been there then walked off. She couldn’t have cared less.”

Catriona and Neve returned to the yard with Ricky and Zula and called the vet.

“He wasn’t lame and thankfully he had no bone or muscle damage but he needed stitches for a big wound just above his knee. He is on box rest for 10 days and has a huge bandage on. One of the things I’m most upset about is this could all have been avoided; Ricky is a four-year-old who wants to be out so not only is he injured, I’m worried about his mental welfare on box rest and don’t want him being stressed,” she said.

“The vet was back on Friday (16 April) and he seems to be doing well which is reassuring but until he is completely back to normal I’ll worry about it healing ok. The vet will return to take the stitches out then he will get to go in the field.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: Michaela Hill)

‘In the zone to kill’: dogs tried to ‘take down’ pony in frightening beach attack

“You read about these incidents and don’t think it will ever happen to you, but sadly it was us on

(Image credit: Michaela Hill)

Warning of spike in dog attacks as ‘pandemic puppies’ visit countryside for first time

“A lack of education around the Countryside Code has left some visitors without a basic understanding of what is acceptable

(Image credit: Michaela Hill)

Catriona, who hopes to compete in para dressage with Ricky in the future, is planning to report the dog owner after someone contacted her on social media with the owner’s details.

“People have said they’ve had similar issues with her too,” said Catriona. “I just hope Ricky isn’t going to be traumatised by this going forward, I’ve loved that he’s super around dogs but now is he going to be scared?

“People need to understand the importance of controlling their dogs; I understand things can happen and some people are very apologetic but others can be so begrudging if you ask them to put their dogs on a lead. Some non-horsey people seem to think ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’ but these are the kind of consequences.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘In the zone to kill’: dogs tried to ‘take down’ pony in frightening beach attack

Becky Murray — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 16:03:52 +0000

A riding school owner seriously injured in a terrifying dog attack has been left with “mental scars” from watching dogs try and “take down” her pony.

Helen Hart-Mitchell, of Daffodil Paddock Riding Centre in Kent, was on the beach with 11.2hh Milo and 12.2hh Billy, and 12-year-old riders Jasmine and Anabel, when a dog appeared and started “nipping” at Billy’s heels.

“A second dog appeared and ran towards Jasmine and Milo. It grabbed Jasmine’s foot and started viciously shaking it,” Helen told H&H. “The other dog then came away from Billy and started joining in.

“I grabbed Milo’s reins and told Jasmine to jump off then the next thing the dogs were jumping at Milo’s face and throat.”

Helen said the owners of the part-bred Staffordshire-type dogs appeared but “just stood in shock”.

“The dogs were still attacking, they wanted to bring Milo down,” she said. “I shouted at the owners to come and get their dogs and the man got hold of the less vicious one, but the second one was in the zone to kill.

**Warning: graphic image**

“I still had hold of Milo’s reins and he reared up and came down on my face. I lost my vision in my right eye and remember thinking I was going to lose consciousness. I touched my eye and all I could see was blood.”

Helen said the man eventually managed to get hold of the other dog and the police were called. Helen was taken by ambulance to hospital with a suspected broken eye socket while Anabel’s mum Lauren, whom Billy had also trodden on, drove the ponies back to the riding school.

“A vet was called for Milo who needed staples for lacerations to his face and neck, and some wounds were left open to drain. He has been left with a droopy lip due to nerve and muscle damage,” said Helen.

“I was taken for a CT scan but only had bad bruising. The doctors said I was very lucky not to have broken my eye socket. I think the fact Milo wasn’t wearing shoes saved the day.”

Helen is still suffering with peripheral vision issues and is dealing with the “mental scars”.

“I’ve had horses all my life and never experienced anything like that. It’s every rider’s worst nightmare – it was terrifying. Jasmine and Anabel’s mums are traumatised after seeing that happen to their children,” she said.

“We have so much fun on the beach and the ponies love it, but as the riding school is due to reopen and because horses aren’t allowed on the beach during the busy summer season I feel relieved to have an excuse not to go back at the moment. This has put the fear into me.”

Helen said Milo has become afraid of dogs since the incident.

“I have two spaniels that used to greet Milo and they would touch noses but now if the dogs are on the yard he runs to the back of the stable, it’s really sad,” she said. “Hopefully time can be a great healer.”

Helen would like dog owners to be more aware of horses on the beach and to consider using a lead.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Helen Hart-Mitchell)

New safety feature allows riders to report incidents via app

Riders can report in different categories including road incidents and those involving dogs and cyclists

(Image credit: Helen Hart-Mitchell)

Police order for owner of dog who chased horse into the sea

‘I felt so helpless watching Spring get chased into the sea — the man allowed his dog to hunt and

(Image credit: Helen Hart-Mitchell)

“I don’t know what the answer is to stop these things happening when a dog instinct kicks in like that. I know it has been hard with lockdown; more people have bought dogs and maybe not been able to get them out to training but some dogs should be on a lead, or muzzled,” she said.

“You read about these incidents and don’t think it will ever happen to you, but sadly it was us on this day. If one person reads this and it makes them put their dog on a lead then it will be one less dog for us to worry about.”

A spokesman for Kent Police told H&H both parties have been spoken to and an investigation is ongoing.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Warning of spike in dog attacks as ‘pandemic puppies’ visit countryside for first time

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:03:01 +0000

Owners have been warned of a spike in numbers of dog attacks, as “pandemic puppies” are expected to visit the countryside for the first time.

As dog attacks are up 10% from last year, and in line with the relaunched Countryside Code, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is offering advice on country walking, to help the 2.2m new dog owners understand how to keep their dogs and other animals safe.

CLA southeast regional director Michael Valenzia said: “Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for everyone, although it is also a huge learning curve. Part of that learning curve is teaching your dog how to interact with other animals safely. But worryingly, a third of dogs bought during lockdown have never even visited a park.

“With lockdown restrictions easing up, we want to help inform the millions of people on how to protect their dogs and keep animals safe, allowing everyone to enjoy the countryside together.”

Advice for owners includes picking up dogs’ poo, keeping dogs on leads and ensuring they do not chase wild or domestic animals, as well as following any advice on signs to “reduce disturbance to plants and animals”.

“Prevent your dog from approaching horse riders, cyclists, or other people and their dogs uninvited,” a CLA spokesman.

“A lack of education around the Countryside Code has left some visitors without a basic understanding of what is acceptable behaviour. The CLA continues to campaign for the code to be taught in schools across the region.”

Mr Valenzia added that in general, most people adhere to the code.

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Pony found with three broken legs after horrific dog attack warning: contains distressing details

The pony’s owner wants others to be aware of the illegal hunting of deer with dogs

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Mare’s well-aimed kick ends second dog attack within a year

The incident was captured on the rider’s body camera

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

“But there can be incidents of anti-social behaviour or a lack of awareness of the working countryside,” he said. “All visitors should be conscious that the countryside is a place of work where the land, livestock, machinery, wildlife and environment must be respected.

“Over the past year, we’ve all come to value the importance of getting outside for our mental and physical wellbeing. Farmers and landowners are looking forward to welcoming the public to make the most of the 150,000 miles of public rights of way in Great Britain. We hope that by reading our advice visitors can respect the local environment while staying safe.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

New safety app allows riders to report incidents ‘quickly and easily’

Becky Murray — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 07:03:22 +0000

A new safety app aimed at “empowering” riders and encouraging more incident reporting has been launched.

The British Horse Society’s (BHS) “Horse i” app will enable riders to “quickly and easily” submit details of incidents that have negatively affected their safety.

A BHS spokesman said the free app had been specifically designed to “empower” equestrians to immediately report any incidents they encounter directly to the society via a simple, easy to use interface.

“An incident is classed as an unplanned event that has resulted in a human or horse feeling unsafe, for example road rage, or that has the potential to cause injury (a near-miss), or that has already caused injury,” said the spokesman.

Riders can report any problems with a road or off-road user, slippery road surfaces, dogs, low-flying aircraft, nuisance drones or fireworks. The app records the incident details including location, date and time, injuries, vet treatment, and whether agencies such as the police or civil aviation authority are involved.

“An incident report can be submitted via the time-saving new tool in less than three minutes, although there is also the facility for the user to add in any supporting detail if they wish,” said the spokesman.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Number of horses dying on roads halved last year but figures remain ‘very worrying’

The BHS has released its most recent statistics on horse-related incidents

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Rider knocked unconscious after car overtook too quickly says she was ‘lucky’

The rider was diagnosed with concussion and suffered multiple injuries in the incident

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

The spokesman added that the society hopes the app will “equip and encourage” more equestrians to report incidents, enabling the BHS to use the data to support campaigns and improve equestrian safety.

“We know that only one in 10 people report incidents to us which is why we have produced this app. Most people want to report an incident to the BHS as soon as it happens, so this app makes it much easier to log what’s happened to you and your horse the moment you return to the yard when the detail is still fresh in your mind,” said BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox.

“Increasing the number of incidents that are logged with the BHS is a key priority for us in order to create a safer environment for equestrians, as we can act more effectively with better data.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Rider in her 70s falls as dog attacks her horse

Lucy Elder — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 18:04:37 +0000

Police are appealing for information after a rider in her 70s fell when a dog attacked her horse.

The rider was hacking with a friend in Moreton Forest in Purbeck, Dorset, at around 11.45am on 20 December when they were approached by a group of seven or eight people, who had two dogs with them.

As they walked past the horses, one of the dogs slipped its lead and attacked the lady’s horse.

The horse “twisted round” and the rider fell. She was not seriously injured and the horse sustained a grazed leg.

A woman apologised to the rider and they managed to get the dog back on the lead before the group got into two cars, which were parked nearby.

“We are making enquiries into this incident and I would urge anyone with information about the dog involved and its owners to please contact us,” said Police Constable Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police.

“I would also like to appeal to the owners to do the right thing and come forward so we can take your account.”

A statement from Dorset Police said one of the dogs was described as “an English bull terrier who the owners — a man and a woman — appeared to call ‘Ocean’”.

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The man is described as white, in his late 30s to early 40s, around 6ft, of stocky build with dark receding hair. He was wearing a dark hip-length coat and jeans and spoke with a local accent.

The female owner is described as white, of a similar age to the man, around 5ft 5in tall and of stocky build with dark brown hair that was tied up on top of her head. She may have been wearing a light yellow coat.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200191296, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Owners’ heartbreak as 28-year-old pony put down following shocking dog attack

Becky Murray — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:03:43 +0000

An elderly pony savagely attacked by three dogs that entered his field has been put down leaving his owners devastated.

Katie Leonard’s 28-year-old 12.2hh Welsh section A Joshua, who the family had owned for 22 years, was attacked on 11 December at their home in Conisbrough, Doncaster.

Care home manager Katie told H&H her partner Jack heard dogs barking at about 11.30pm, and they could see torchlight outside.

“We turned all the lights on inside and went out with a floodlight to scare them off. The torchlight disappeared towards the lane as if someone was running away,” she said.

“We looked around and couldn’t see anyone or the dogs. We think it was poachers.”

Joshua was found with multiple injuries and the vet was contacted.

“He appeared to be in shock. He had wounds under his chin, on his neck, face, nose and shoulder. He also had a wound above his hoof that was down to the bone,” she said.

**Warning: graphic image**

“The vet said the injuries were extensive and caused by dogs. They had just missed Joshua’s jugular and it was touch and go.”

Joshua had his wounds stitched and was on daily antibiotics and painkillers.

“On reviewing our CCTV it shows three dogs coming on to our property, but the footage doesn’t cover the field. I don’t know if the person set the dogs on Joshua or if they just came across him,” said Katie.

“All I keep thinking about is the attack, imagining what happened and the trauma he went through.”

Katie said Joshua had been due to have his stitches removed on Christmas Eve, but the gelding’s condition deteriorated on Friday (18 December).

“Joshua had been getting walked in hand twice a day to stop him getting stiff as he is used to being out but he had been starting to look depressed. When we went to give him his antibiotics we found him rocking on his back legs. My mum Sandra tried walking him but later we found him banging his head in the corner looking disorientated,” she said.

“The vet came straight away but he was getting worse and worse. The vet said it was either liver failure from all the medication, or the infection had affected his brain. He said there was nothing more that could be done and if we gave Joshua another night we were likely to find him dead in the morning. He just couldn’t fight the infection.”

Katie said her mum and Jack stayed with Joshua while he was put down.

“We gave him a cuddle and I stayed in the field but I couldn’t watch. He had been an amazing pony, he was so headstrong and full of character. We believe if this hadn’t happened he would have lived another few happy years with us,” she said.

“We are all absolutely devastated. Joshua had been our last pony, my mum has kept horses ponies here for 40 years and now we have nothing. I have mixed emotions, I’m heartbroken but so angry that people train dogs to do something like that, it could have been anything that they ripped to shreds – but it was our pony.”

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Katie Leonard)

Out-of-control dogs ‘like lions on prey’ as they attacked elderly mare Warning: graphic image

‘The vet said the dogs had just missed her jugular vein – if it had been an inch down it

(Image credit: Katie Leonard)

Mare’s well-aimed kick ends second dog attack within a year

The incident was captured on the rider’s body camera

(Image credit: Katie Leonard)

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police told H&H officers are appealing for information.

“A review of CCTV footage showed three dogs enter the paddock through a hedge. Torchlight can also be seen in the distance along the property boundary. Due to the poor quality of the footage, identification of any offenders has not been possible,” he said.

“If you have any information that could help the investigation, please call 101 quoting incident number 263 of 11 December 2020.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Rider suffers serious injuries after out-of-control dog chases horses

Becky Murray — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:38:56 +0000

A rider sustained a fractured vertebra, and her friend was bruised, in a terrifying incident involving an out-of-control dog chasing their horses – causing them both to fall off.

Beryl Randall was riding her gelding Archie alongside her friend Janeen on Captain, on Esher Common, Surrey, on 12 October when a loose dog appeared.

“We were having a gentle trot and I think the dog must have come out of the woods from behind and began chasing Captain. I thought I heard shouting but I couldn’t see an owner,” Beryl told H&H.

Janeen and Captain (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Archie and Captain took off. As I managed to check Archie, I looked down and could see a dark wire-haired dog going for his front leg and he took off again.”

Beryl said she and Janeen became separated in the woods and Janeen fell off after hitting a branch at speed.

“It’s miraculous the horses kept their footing as we had veered off the track and there were branches all over the floor as they were galloping through,” she said.

“I managed to stop Archie and fell off over his shoulder, but I couldn’t keep hold of the reins and he took off towards the A3.”

Beryl said Archie was eventually caught by some walkers before he reached the road.

“I’m so grateful to the people that caught Archie. I rang my yard manager Olivia who dropped everything to come and help and I went back to try and find Janeen. I found her with a leader of a group of Duke of Edinburgh students who had stopped to help and had called an ambulance,” she said.

“The horses were stressed and dripping with sweat but thankfully they weren’t injured. Olivia and I took them back to the yard and Janeen was taken to hospital.”

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Beryl Randall)

Mare’s well-aimed kick ends second dog attack within a year

The incident was captured on the rider’s body camera

(Image credit: Beryl Randall)

Couple laughed as dog attacked horse, leaving rider with broken leg

‘They knew I had fallen. I shouted to them ‘I need help, I’m injured’ and they just walked off and

(Image credit: Beryl Randall)

Beryl escaped with bruising but Janeen sustained broken ribs and a fractured vertebra. The incident was reported to Surrey Police and Elmbridge Borough Council, which launched an appeal for information, but the dog’s owner has not come forward.

“I’m furious the dog owner didn’t bother to find out what happened to us, they must have known [their dog spooked our horses]. The council and police have been brilliant, but without information or the dog owner coming forward, they can’t do anything,” said Beryl.

“I had an incident with dogs in December, and I recently read about an incident at another common involving a rider being chased by a pack of dogs. There seems to be more people out walking since Covid, but they need to have their dogs under control – they should be kept on the lead if they don’t have reliable recall. Ninety-nine percent of dog owners are very good but it’s the ones who don’t realise what can happen, or that their dog could be seriously injured if they were kicked.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Couple laughed as dog attacked horse, leaving rider with broken leg

Becky Murray — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 06:03:42 +0000

A man and woman laughed as their out-of-control dogs chased a horse, then walked away, leaving his fallen rider with a broken leg.

Fife-based Robyn Healy, a 23-year-old midwife, was returning from a hack with her 15.3hh gelding Jack on 14 July when she saw a man and woman with two children and two dogs – a large breed and a terrier-type – on leads behind her.

Robyn told H&H as she rode into a field, she became aware of the bigger dog, now off its lead, chasing her.

“I couldn’t make out if the smaller one was there too. I shouted to the owners to get their dog and was shouting at it but it didn’t make a difference. It was biting at Jack’s legs and tail,” she said.

“I fell off and Jack took off up the field. The dog kept chasing him and I could hear the owners laughing.”

Robyn said the owners caught their dog then left the area.

“They knew I had fallen. I shouted to them ‘I need help, I’m injured’ and they just walked off and left me there,” she said.

“No one I know could do that – you don’t leave someone. Even if they’d shouted they were going to get help or phone an ambulance but they didn’t even acknowledge me. I tried to get up but my leg was twisted the wrong way and I couldn’t stand.”

The livery yard owner, Louise Docherty, told H&H her friend Tony Bell, found Jack waiting at the gate to the yard without a rider, and knocked at her door. Tony set off to find Robyn, who had rung her friend Erin and an ambulance.

“I asked Erin to go and help Jack, I wasn’t sure if the dog had bitten him so I was so worried about what had happened to him,” she said.

“I knew my leg was broken and phoned the ambulance. By this point I was hysterical with the pain and Tony arrived to help me while the ambulance came.”

Robyn was given painkillers and airlifted to hospital. The next day she underwent surgery on her broken tibia and fibula.

“I’ve had a weight-bearing nail inserted into my leg and it’s very swollen. I’ve been told I won’t be able to do things like drive for eight weeks, but I don’t know when I’ll be able to ride again,” she said. “I’m upset I won’t be able to work, after everything that has gone on with Covid, I feel like I’ll be leaving my team short.”

The incident has been reported to the police and Robyn hopes the dog owners can be found.

“I don’t necessarily want them to get in trouble but I want some kind of acknowledgement or apology. If they had to leave because their children were upset or something I’d understand, but I just need an explanation, anything other than nothing,” she said.

“Dog owners need to keep their dogs on leads and be aware if they’re not good at coming back. I love dogs and have them myself, but people need to realise what can happen.”

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Louise added that there have been previous incidents involving dogs in the area.

“We can’t stop people coming on to the land because people have a right to roam [in Scotland] and there are always going to be dog walkers but people need to keep them on leads if their dogs don’t obey recall,” she said.

“This incident has made us all think about going out alone again. Robyn was wearing high-vis which meant Tony could see her lying in the grass. We’re so thankful she had been wearing high-vis and had her mobile phone.”

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Mare’s well-aimed kick ends second dog attack within a year

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 17:02:37 +0000

The rider of a mare who was attacked by a dog for the second time in a year said it was only the horse’s well-aimed kick that ended her ordeal.

Julie Salmon was hacking her 20-year-old mare Puzzle on a track in Dorset on Friday (29 May) when the German shepherd-type dog appeared.

“It just flew out of the woods,” Julie told H&H. “Molly, my 18-month-old Labrador, was with me – it was lucky she wasn’t attacked too – and it was her who saw the dog first. The owner appeared, saw what was happening and just went to walk off.”

In video captured by Julie’s body camera, she can be heard asking the woman to call the dog off, to no avail. It was jumping up and biting at Puzzle’s hind legs, causing wounds that needed veterinary treatment.

Some strong language in video

“The woman didn’t call the dog; she made a half-hearted attempt to catch it. I rode over to a cyclist, saying ‘please help me, the dog’s attacking my horse’, and then Puzzle kicked it.

“I think she was as angry as I was and waited for her moment; one back leg came out so fast, and it was only then the dog went back to its owner, with its tail between its legs.”

Julie said she bought the camera last year, after Puzzle was attacked by another dog, who she thinks belongs to the same person, in the same area last June.

“I paid £186 for the camera but it’s been worth every penny,” she said, adding that she reported the incident to police and the British Horse Society and that the cyclist and another dog walker have agreed to act as witnesses.

“Fortunately, Puzzle’s ok,” Julie said. “Last year, she was bitten on the hock joint and the vet said if it has been in the joint capsule, that would have been it.

“I’m disabled – I’ve got two artificial knees, my lower spine’s fused; I’ve got spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis and my spinal surgeon said it’s only my core strength from riding that’s kept me out of a wheelchair – but if I’d fallen off, it could have meant I would be in one.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Future)

Top eventer chased by loose dog asks: ‘Why didn’t they ring the bell?’

The dog was at the rider’s heels as he took on the CCI3* showjumping

(Image credit: Future)

Pony found with three broken legs after horrific dog attack warning: contains distressing details

The pony’s owner wants others to be aware of the illegal hunting of deer with dogs

(Image credit: Future)

“What’s so worrying is that my three-year-old granddaughter was riding Puzzle, being led by her parents, in that area at the same time the day before, and there’s a riding school at my livery yard that takes riders out there – can you imagine if the dog had attacked a beginner or novice rider? But the dogs’ owner takes no responsibility for what happens.”

A Dorset Police spokesman told H&H: “Dorset Police received a report at 9.45am on Friday 29 May that a horse had been attacked by a dog in the area of the Castleman Trailway in West Moors.

“Officers have contacted the woman who reported the incident and further enquiries are ongoing to establish if it will be the subject or a police investigation or if the matter will be referred to the dog warden.”

Out-of-control dogs ‘like lions on prey’ as they attacked elderly mare Warning: graphic image

Becky Murray — Sat, 30 May 2020 06:03:49 +0000

The owner of two horses injured in a frenzied attack by two out-of-control dogs has compared the incident to watching a lion taking down its prey.

Lisa Britton was feeding calves on her smallholding in Royston, South Yorkshire, on 21 May at 6am when she saw her two mares, 25-year-old Amber and 20-year-old Jules, in distress.

Lisa told H&H both mares jumped out of their paddock, which is bordered by a footpath on an old railway line, with two lurcher-type dogs in pursuit of Amber.

“They were jumping on her and biting her throat and her legs. They kept trying to pull her down. It was like watching lions on TV when they attack an animal in the wild,” she said.

“The dog owner tried to get the dogs back but they were in a frenzy. He turned to me and said they were going to kill Amber. I couldn’t catch her and felt so hopeless.”

Lisa said Amber, who was “screaming” in panic, eventually ran into a fence.

“The man managed to get hold of one of the dogs, but the other then chased Jules. He eventually got hold of the second one, said sorry and ran off.”

“My neighbour Louise had heard me screaming and came to see what was going on. After I told her she drove round looking for the man but couldn’t find him.”

The vet attended to treat the mares. Amber needed stitches and staples, and a drain inserted into one of her multiple wounds.

*Warning: graphic image*

“Jules had a bite and was a bit stiff, but Amber could hardly walk. She had wounds on her neck, chest and legs,” said Lisa. “The vet said the dogs had just missed her jugular vein – if it had been an inch down it would have been fatal.

“It took hours for them both to settle afterwards, I didn’t sleep that night thinking about it.”

Lisa reported the incident to the police, who are not investigating the incident.

“The police said there was nothing they could do because a crime wasn’t committed,” said Lisa. “They said if the dogs had bitten me it would have been different, but because it was horses it’s not an offence. I can’t believe this can happen – I’m so upset.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Lisa Britton)

Shetland suffers horrific facial wounds in savage dog attack

The owner had left the scene before police arrived

(Image credit: Lisa Britton)

Rider faces surgery after horse chased by out-of-control dogs

‘It’s such a shame this happened, and so unnecessary. My daughter is now in hospital because this man didn’t have

(Image credit: Lisa Britton)

“Owners have to be responsible for their dogs and understand it can be instinct and a game to them; people need to keep their dogs on lead and think about the consequences. It’s not just horses at risk – it’s livestock too, it could have been a small calf.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police told H&H the force is not investigating the incident because there are no lines of enquiry to follow.

“We are committed to tackling wildlife crime and a number of our officers are trained in this area and passionate about it. They fulfil these duties alongside their day-to-day policing,” he said.

Shetland suffers horrific facial wounds in savage dog attack

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:16:11 +0000

A Shetland pony savaged by an out-of-control dog suffered horrific facial wounds.

Piebald Rocky was grazing at the council-operated Sandwell Park Farm, in Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich, on Monday (27 April) when the dog attacked.

A passer-by managed to stop the dog but Rocky had already been badly wounded. Police were called but have been unable to trace the dog’s owner, who had left the scene.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council deputy leader Maria Crompton said on Tuesday she was shocked by the incident.

“This is absolutely devastating and poor Rocky has suffered horrific injuries,” she said.

“Dog owners should be responsible and ensure they keep their pets on leads when they are around farm animals. This includes the paddocks at the front of Sandwell Park Farm.

“It is completely irresponsible to let a dog off-lead around livestock and is against the law. We will not hesitate to involve the police in matters such as this.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Future)

Pony found with three broken legs after horrific dog attack warning: contains distressing details

The pony’s owner wants others to be aware of the illegal hunting of deer with dogs

(Image credit: Future)

Ban for rider who whipped horse until it collapsed with exhaustion and a broken leg

The rider said he used his reins to try to ’encourage’ his horse

(Image credit: Future)

“I thank the passer-by who very bravely intervened to stop the dog attacking the pony further.

“Rocky made it through the night and we hope he is on the mend although it will be a long road to recovery.”

A council spokesman added that the land in front of Sandwell Park Farm is agricultural, so dogs should be kept on leads at all times in the area, under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

Rider faces surgery after horse chased by out-of-control dogs

Becky Murray — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 07:03:59 +0000

A rider is awaiting surgery after she fell from her horse when she was chased by two large dogs – whose owner had failed to obey signs ordering dogs to be kept on leads.

Katrina West and her daughter Hayley Williams, 29, were riding their geldings Dodger and Harry on the Sopley Commom nature reserve, near Hurn, Dorset, on 19 February when they noticed a man with two large dogs off the lead.

“The man called after his dogs, which I think were either Bernese or St Bernard types, and Hayley turned to me and said ‘I think they’re going to chase us’,” Katrina told H&H.

“The dogs came round the corner barking at us. I tried to shoo them away but they took no notice and our boys took off down a steep hill.”

Katrina said Hayley’s horse Harry stumbled, causing her to fall off over his head.

“It was dreadful, I called to Hayley to ask if she was ok and she said she wasn’t. Harry whizzed past and then Dodger bolted after him and I couldn’t stop,” said Katrina.

“I managed to stay on and caught Harry, but when I went back to where Hayley had fallen, she had gone down another path trying to find Harry and we were completely separated. I managed to speak to her on the phone and called for an ambulance.”

Katrina said the ambulance was unable to get through to Hayley by telephone owing to poor mobile signal so the dog owner took Hayley to hospital, while the yard owner came to help Katrina take the horses back to the yard.

“The man checked her into hospital but then left and didn’t leave his details. Hayley said he claimed his dogs had never done anything like this before and were used to horses, and he was very cross with them,” said Katrina.

“Once I had dropped the horses off, I went to the hospital and was told Hayley had suffered a bad break to her collarbone and would need surgery.”

Katrina said the incident could have been avoidable and signs at the nature reserve state that dogs must be kept on leads.

“We come across lots of dog walkers on our rides and the majority are good, but then you have the irresponsible ones who will say ‘my dog is ok with horses’,” she said.

“It’s such a shame this happened, and so unnecessary. Dog owners need to be responsible – it’s not a big thing, all they need to do is put their dogs on leads when they see a horse, or make sure they are trained in recall. My daughter is now in hospital because this man didn’t have control of his dogs.”

Katrina said Hayley will remain in hospital until after the surgery.

“This will have a huge effect on her physically and mentally. She will be unable to work, and look after Harry, and now we have horses who could be worried going out again. We had a lot planned this season and it’s all gone – it’s really sinking in now how it’s made us feel and how it will affect our boys,” she said.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Katrina West)

Rider’s terrifying ordeal as attacking dog forces horse into the sea

(Image credit: Katrina West)

Dangerous dog laws in the spotlight again H&H Plus

A number of recent episodes involving out-of-control dogs have highlighted that individual police forces have discretion on how to deal

(Image credit: Katrina West)

“I don’t usually like putting things on social media but I posted about the incident on two local groups to raise awareness and if it makes one person think ‘gosh, I’ll not let my dogs off around horses’ then it will help.”

Katrina plans to report the incident to the police and the British Horse Society.

“It’s really shocking,” she said. “Whether or not you think your dog is ok around horses you need to put it on a lead. There are lots of young riders at our yard and I worry for them, this was bad enough but it could have been so much worse.”

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Dangerous dog laws in the spotlight again H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 16:08:07 +0000

Horse & Hound spoke to a solicitor specialising in equine matters, the British Horse Society and Defra to find out where riders stand if they find themselves involved in an incident with an out-of-control dog...

A number of recent episodes involving out-of-control dogs have highlighted that individual police forces have discretion on how to deal with incidents under current legislation.

The British Horse Society (BHS) recorded 168 incidents involving dogs in 2019, including three horse fatalities, 45 horses injured and 43 humans. Sixteen incidents were recorded in January 2020.

Solicitor Ian Dexter of HorseSolicitor told H&H the law is clear that dog owners to have to keep their animals under close control.“The difficulty is, different forces have discretion to prioritise offences and there is no uniform approach,” he said.

Mr Dexter said it is helpful if owners have a witness or video footage of incidents, and added if a case is not prosecuted, owners can make a civil claim for vet fees.

“If it’s their word against another it’s going to be difficult because prosecution will only be considered if there is a realistic prospect [of conviction],” he said.

“People should remember they are entitled to report any incidents to police and they should be taken seriously.”

Gemma Colling’s gelding Rocky was forced into the sea in Scarborough on 13 January when a dog attacked. She reported the incident to police and the dog warden but said the warden advised her all they can do is educate people.

A spokesman for Defra told H&H it is a criminal offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control.

“It is for a court to decide whether a particular dog is out of control based on individual circumstances,” he said.

“This can lead to a prison sentence or a disqualification order.”

The spokesman added that decisions about allocation of police resources and deployment of officers are made by chief constables and democratically accountable with police and crime commissioners.

A BHS spokesman said: “It’s important owners keep dogs under control, ideally on a lead, near horses.

“We all have a responsibility to report any incidents to police so they can enforce section three of the Dangerous Dog Act 1991. Should the worst happen, and you are attacked while riding, try to remain calm and protect young or vulnerable riders if you’re able to. Keep the horse’s head away from the dog and allow the horse to defend itself, you may even have to distance yourself from the dog by riding away.

“The BHS recommends always carrying a mobile phone when riding so you can summon help and make note of any identifying details of dog or owner. Afterwards, take details from the dog owner in case there is need to follow up the incident and always report any incidents to the police, asking them to refer it to the dog legislation officer.

“We always encourage riders to report any incidents to horseaccidents.org.uk as this allows us to have greater understanding of the scale of the issue. This data also allows us to lobby and support government and local authorities, as well as creating awareness of issues and educating the public.”

‘Blood was pouring from his mouth’: rider in two dog attacks in two weeks

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 17:09:03 +0000

A rider who experienced two dog attacks in two weeks on the same beach is imploring owners to keep their pets on leads.

Faye Malachie (pictured, below) said it was lucky she was on a “pretty bombproof” horse on New Year’s Day when two loose dogs ran between his legs and tried to bite as this incident ended without injury when the dogs ran back to their owner.

But on 13 January, when she was on the same beach with a friend also called Faye (pictured, above), she was not so lucky.

“We were having a canter when suddenly, Faye came absolutely flying past me and I thought ‘What’s she doing?’” Faye Malachie told H&H.

“A dog had come running up and was chasing us. Her horse Bobby is a youngster; he panicked and bolted.”

Faye Malachie’s horse Red, who belongs to a client at her livery yard, took off after Bobby and it was a while before the riders could pull up.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“The dog got trampled at one point as it got in front of us, but it got back up and for about five minutes, was running after us, trying to bite the horses,” Faye said. “It got kicked, but it did manage to bite Faye’s horse twice.”

Faye said the owner caught up but that he had another dog, also loose, which also started barking at the horses. Eventually, he got both under control.

“Faye’s horse had blood pouring out of his mouth where he’d bitten his tongue; it was all a bit traumatic,” Faye said.

“I asked the owner if I should get off and he said ‘No, because the dog might bite you’. I think the dog had just seen red and don’t know, it might have bitten me.”

Bobby had to have physio treatment for muscle issues caused during the incident, and about a week off work, although none of the bites became infected, Faye said.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Future)

Rider’s terrifying ordeal as attacking dog forces horse into the sea

(Image credit: Future)

Pony found with three broken legs after horrific dog attack warning: contains distressing details

The pony’s owner wants others to be aware of the illegal hunting of deer with dogs

(Image credit: Future)

She added that she had not reported the incident, as all she had to go on was that the dog was a lurcher type, but said she may still do so, to flag the issue.

“I’ve had so many people messaging me to say they’ve been attacked by dogs; on bridleways as well as the beach,” she said.

“People need to make sure they’ve got their dogs on leads if they see a horse or they’re in an enclosed space and can’t see what’s coming.

“This dog was trampled and injured; you don’t want to see any animal hurt.”

Dog attackes can be reported to the British Horse Society on its website.

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Rider’s terrifying ordeal as attacking dog forces horse into the sea

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:23:24 +0000

A rider who was forced into the sea when an out-of-control dog attacked said she is lucky neither she nor her horse was injured.

Gemma Colling was riding Irish draught gelding Rocky on Filey Beach, Scarborough, on 13 January.

Gemma, who rides frequently on the beach, had had a canter and was walking back on a loose rein when she spotted the dog by the sea wall.

“I was aware of it; it was chasing its ball, and I went past,” Gemma told H&H.

“Next thing, I heard someone shouting for the dog. I stood still, thinking they’d come and get it, but they couldn’t get hold of it.”

The dog, which Gemma described as being a Staffordshire bull terrier type, started biting at Rocky’s back legs but as the horse is a hunter, he was not at first fazed.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He was quite polite, and took it for a few minutes, but then must have thought ‘Hang on a minute, I don’t like this’,” Gemma said. “He started spinning, and the dog started jumping up, and going for his throat.

“He’s 16.3hh; big and tall. If I’d been on a pony, the dog would have got it.”

Gemma said the dog was intent on getting hold of Rocky; getting its paws on his shoulders. The owner was shouting at it and trying to get it back, but without success.

“As Rocky was spinning, I was thinking ‘I’ve got to get out of this’ but if I’d let him go, he’d have bolted and I didn’t want to put me, him or anyone else in that danger,” she said.

“The only thing I could do was go in the sea. I thought it might put the dog off but it kept coming, swimming up to Rocky and trying to go for his throat.

“I didn’t want to go much deeper; the waves were breaking on his saddle and he was having to swim. I thought ‘we’re in danger’. If I’d fallen off, with my boots and body protector on, I could have gone under, and we were in the North Sea, in January.

“I was terrified, and screaming at the woman: ‘Get the dog, get the dog!’”

Soon afterwards the dog, possibly tiring, started to head back towards the beach and the owner walked into the water to get it.

“If it hadn’t gone back at that point, I don’t know how it would have ended,” said Gemma. “The owner didn’t say ‘come out, I’ve got him, you’re safe’. She did say she was sorry and that her dog had never seen a horse before – but then why let him off the lead when you can see a horse coming towards you?”

In shock and very cold, Gemma found Rocky had not been hurt. She says onlookers praised her riding but said they had had to watch, terrified but helpless, as there was nothing they could do to help.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Future)

Pony found with three broken legs after horrific dog attack warning: contains distressing details

The pony’s owner wants others to be aware of the illegal hunting of deer with dogs

(Image credit: Future)

Top eventer chased by loose dog asks: ‘Why didn’t they ring the bell?’

The dog was at the rider’s heels as he took on the CCI3* showjumping

(Image credit: Future)

She reported the incident to police and says they and the dog warden are dealing with it.

“But it doesn’t look like there’s much they can do,” she said. “The dog warden said all they can do is educate people – what kind of protection is that?”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police told H&H: “If an incident like this is taking place then we urge it to be reported to the police. It should be reported to us at the time on 999 and officers will attend. Initial enquiries will then be made to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. If we believe a crime has taken place, we will conduct an investigation [in line with] available legislation.”

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Carriage driver and groom thrown from vehicle after loose dogs chase pony

Becky Murray — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 13:03:24 +0000

A carriage driver who was thrown from her vehicle when her pony was chased by dogs has said multi-user routes won’t work unless everyone plays their part.

Sue Hamley-Richards of North Pembrokeshire and groom Jane Howell attended the opening ceremony of a multi-user route between Narberth and Haverfordwest, held by Pembrokeshire County Council and charity Sustrans, on 1 August.

“After the opening Jane and I went for a drive with my six-year-old Welsh-section C Liam along the route,” Sue told H&H. “When we approached a shaded area I noticed a loose collie dog on the right and saw a man with three more collies up ahead.

“I steadied Liam and as we approached the man called his dogs and they went to him. I thanked the man and commented how brilliant his dogs were, but then the dogs rushed underneath Liam.”

Sue said Liam reacted as if he had been bitten by one of the loose dogs.

“The four dogs were rushing around Liam’s heels and he panicked. He was bucking and kicking and I think he got his leg caught over a trace, then he bolted with the dogs following,” she said.

“I was trying to steer and Jane fell out the side. I think the harness must have got caught while Liam was panicking but thankfully the dogs dropped back. Liam headed towards a bank, I fell out of the carriage and Liam got stuck in some trees.”

Jane, who suffered bruising, caught Liam while the dog owner called an ambulance for Sue.

“I realised I could move and the ambulance was cancelled. I had whiplash and bruised ribs, but I was more worried about Liam,” said Sue.

“The dog owner told me he regularly sees horses on his walks and his dogs have always been fine. Then he was gone. But it doesn’t matter if they’ve always been fine – they weren’t this time.

“I long-reined Liam back to the car park which settled him down. I reported the incident to the police, the dog warden and the British Horse Society. Things could have been a lot worse, there could have been children or families ahead. It’s really knocked my confidence and I’m sure it’s knocked Liam’s – I’ve not put him back in a carriage yet.”

Sue said multi-user routes are “wonderful”, but everyone needs to “play their part”.

“It’s great horses are being included on some routes. We don’t want to lose access by making enemies and have people say it’s simpler if we’re not there. The dog owner probably thought his dogs were so well trained they wouldn’t do anything, but the fact is they did – had they been on a lead this might not have happened,” she said.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Sue Hamley-Richards)

Horse bolts after being spooked by motocross bikes on bridleway

Usher was found on the road by a family

(Image credit: Sue Hamley-Richards)

Calls for change in law after dogs chase mare and foal

‘I heard the pounding of hooves and saw the dog chasing them. The owner was nowhere to be seen.’

(Image credit: Sue Hamley-Richards)

“We all need to be aware of each other – there could be walkers; cyclists; wheelchair users, riders and carriage drivers using the route. For multi-user routes to work everyone needs to be responsible – they won’t work if people think they’re the only ones using it.”

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We received a call from a member of the public to report an incident where four dogs had attacked a pony in the Canaston Wood area. The caller was advised to call again if they were able to identify the owner of the dogs.

“Police would remind all dog owners to ensure they are on leads when there is potential of causing harm or distress to other animals.”

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“We were on a bridleway and the dog’s owner took no responsibility at all,” Victoria told H&H.

“She gave false details and basically just walked off. I had it recorded on my GoPro but when I reported it to the police, the officer, who was also a rider, said that because I hadn’t shown any fear on camera, the dog wasn’t seen as out of control.”

Darcey suffered a minor flesh wound and, once Victoria’s video posted on social media led to the owner’s identification, the police issued her a dog behaviour contract.

Victoria said she believes the issue is not talked about enough. She always hacks with a GoPro so started sharing all her encounters with dogs.

“I started coming across amazing, responsible owners too so I thought this could be about public awareness and education,” she said. “I have had some near-misses, or incidents that could have been serious; maybe five or six in the last year that could have been major but were stopped in time.

“I wanted to get people talking but the petition is because I want better protection for all of us, horses and riders. It’s not about the dogs themselves, it’s about holding owners responsible, proportionately to the incident.”

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‘It was at his throat’: horse and rider chased into livery yard by dog on private lane

“Every time I close my eyes, I see it happen,” Katie told H&H. “It sounds over-dramatic but it terrified me – and it could have happened to a child.”

Katie and a friend were hacking on the private lane, next to which is a public footpath.

“People cut across to get to the footpath,” she said. “As we were walking up it, I felt my horse go ‘What’s that?’; I knew there was something there.

“Then this dog came running up. I said ‘Grab him as my horse will kick’. You can read dogs, can’t you, and when they go low like that – I thought ‘This is going to have us’.

“It came straight for me and was circling and nipping. It was up at his throat, my leg; I knew we had to go because standing still wasn’t helping.”

Peter turned and went for home, the dog lunging at him, Katie said.

“We got to the yard and there was concrete,” she added. “My feet were stuck in the stirrups and I thought if he fell, I wasn’t going to be able to kick them out. The dog was still coming.

“I got into the yard and into my stable; the farmer and his wife were there and I was screaming for help. One of the broodmares had her head over the gate and the dog was trying to grab her face.”

Katie said the owner appeared and caid the dog had “never done that before”.

“It had absolutely no recall, why the hell was it off the lead?” she said.

Katie described the dog as a bully type, with a “massive head”, and she estimated its height at over the 20 inches set out in the conformation standard set by the Government when the XL bully type was banned last year.

She reported the issue, but “The police have been horrendous,” she said.

“The attitude was that ‘It’s only a horse’; they’re not bothered. They were trying to persuade me not to go on with it but I want it dealt with. If it had been my mum on her 13hh pony or a child; I dread to think. It was on a private lane too, which he shouldn’t have been on.”

Katie’s foot was bitten but she was otherwise unharmed, and she said Peter still seems sound, although he was sharp and nervous when she next hacked out.

“If nothing comes of this, that’s the way it is but it’s about highlighting the danger; dog owners need to realise,” she said. “If I’d fallen, I could have come to serious harm; the dog was having some that day.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary confirmed officers were called after the incident.

“The caller reported they were riding a horse in a field when a dog ran towards them and started to attack them,” the spokesman told H&H. There were no reports of any injuries.

“The breed of the dog has not yet been confirmed and enquiries are currently ongoing.”

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Pauline said two of her fellow riders, whose horses had also been upset, rode off in the opposite direction, while she and her friend on the youngster walked back to the car park.

“I completed a council accident form but we’ve had issues with dogs there before,” she said. “I don’t want to cause an argument with the council but there’s no way I’m going back there on my own; I don’t know what I’d have done if I had been on my own last week.”

Pauline added that Georgie has been slightly lame since the attack, and had to have physio, and Pauline had “spent the past week hobbling about”. She had to pay someone to look after her horses, and will have to buy a new hat.

“There are too many incidents, and I’ve seen awful things. Owners need to be more responsible.”

A spokesman for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council told H&H: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is aware of the matter and an investigation is ongoing, therefore, no further comment can be provided at this time.”

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A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers and horses were on a routine patrol in Victoria Park when they came across Candermir, who was walking his dog.

“Unprovoked, the dog began attacking the horse and Candermir was unable to control the dog or get him away from PH Urbane.”

Superintendent Martin Kirby, from the Met’s Taskforce, said it was a “very shocking event”, which “could have been easily avoided if the dog was being responsibly looked after and was on a lead”.

“Instead, Urbane was bitten by an out-of-control dog, receiving nasty injuries including tears and lacerations, while carrying out his duty,” he added.