Latest from Horse & Hound in Shooting

The perfect coat to enjoy country pursuits in

Cathy Comerford — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 12:23:09 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Our reviewer loved the durability of this "luxurious and high-quality" coat and enjoyed exploring the countryside in it

I tested the Farlows Ladies Cotswold Field coat in a size 12. My first impression of the coat was just how luxurious and high quality it was. The coat is very weighty and is made from a lovely, thick Scottish tweed and lined with a comfortable silk, adding to its premium appearance.

What I love about this coat is that it is naturally water repellent and features a fully waterproof drop-liner — making it the perfect companion for when you’re out and about in the countryside. The tweed is also very hard-wearing and I have found that it does not snag either, again making it ideal for venturing across all sorts of British terrain.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It is important to note that the coat does comes up quite large and isn’t particularly fitted. However, the coat is constructed with an inverted pleat to the back for movement and a “half belt” back to allow adjustment to the waist — so there is some flexibility here. It is a great length and I have found that the sleeves are also a good length — something that is surprisingly rare.

The attention to detail on this coat is also superb. As it is a shooting jacket it features two very roomy, buttoned pockets, which are a must-have in a good jacket.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It is also roomy on the inside, meaning there is plenty of storage for whatever you may need to take on your adventures with you. In addition to this, the pockets are lined with a contrast fabric, which is a nice touch. The coat features both a zip and buttoned front and has fabric cuffs that are great for keeping the wet out and also add that extra bit of comfort.

Verdict

Overall, this is a very practical and nicely made coat that would be great for following the hunt on foot, going shooting, fishing or even walking the dog.

John Holliday: Can two sports co-exist? [H&H VIP]

John Holliday — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 08:55:26 +0000

The New Year has brought with it a change in the weather. Some days have already been lost and heavy snow is forecast.

It brings to mind former Belvoir huntsman Frank Gillard’s reply when asked what he’d do differently if he had his time again:

“Put more days in before Christmas, as the frost upon the plough causes so many to be lost thereafter,” was his sage reply.

Days can be lost for many reasons — snow, frost, fog are the ones nature dispenses. But one thing I’ve learnt is that the conditions are either fit or they are not. The only grey area is whether or not you decide to go out regardless.

Modern farming methods mean that for most areas, hunting no longer continues into April, as it used to some 50 years ago. But in arable areas, I can see no reason why it should not. It would give some hunts a few more days to enjoy the unrestricted access afforded once the shooting season finishes at the end of January.

Can the two sports co-exist?

Hunting requires a large area in which to operate, but it is a sad fact of contemporary hunting that its curtailment in many areas is due to the constraints of game shooting. It is a sensitive subject, I know, but much has changed since the imposition of the Hunting Act 10 years ago.

One change involves the rise in smaller syndicated shoots to the extent that hardly any areas of land are not shot over. The second concerns the rise in the cost of running a shoot, meaning their keepers are nervous of losing birds through any disturbance.

The change in the law has caused an upset in the natural balance of the countryside, but not only in the way that was predicted — that is, the repercussions for the quarry. But we are now in a position where young men running smaller syndicate shoots seem unable to understand the problem. I suspect because they have no experience or memory of life before the Hunting Act.

Many do not follow hounds as their fathers probably did and consequently, they do not feel the obligations to their friends and neighbours that came naturally to their forebears.

Fighting for the same side

At the Belvoir (pictured), we are exceptionally lucky. The large estates such as Aswarby in Lincolnshire, and Belvoir and Buckminster in Leicestershire, all stand out as shining examples of top quality shoots that accommodate hounds throughout the year.

In our Vale, every field is covered by an organised shoot — 20 years ago, there were none.

All of them allow the hunt unrestricted access, for no other reason than common courtesy and a healthy respect for their fellow man, for which we are genuinely indebted.

We have other areas that prove more difficult to make arrangements for. The only thing that helps keep the ship on course is the fact that we have an exceptionally large “country”.

It is sad to relate that even well-organised and established hunts have to cancel days because they have nowhere to go. It is ironic that one of the greatest difficulties in running a hunt in 2015 has not been as a direct consequence of the Hunting Act, but an indirect one.

We, the men and women of the sporting countryside, are of one family. As in all families there are inevitable tensions, but come the revolution, we will all surely fight on the same side!

In a shrinking countryside, hunts need to put maximum effort into arranging meets around shoot dates, in cases where hunt countries have further pressure from roads and urbanisation. Amalgamations should be given serious consideration.

For their part, shoots can with luck understand the value of hunting to the wider community and show some altruism toward their fellow sportsman. Thenceforth, halcyon days shall return, peace and serenity can reign. Good hunting or good shooting — and preferably both.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 5 February 2015

Miniature Shetland loses eye after being shot

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 14:55:50 +0000

The owner of a miniature Shetland pony is appealing for shooters to take care, after her pony lost an eye after being shot earlier this week.

Carla Ruberry’s miniature Shetland Marty was the field found with an injured eye at around 9am on Tuesday (30 September).

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The incident had happened overnight, and Carla suspects it was rabbit hunters, rather than anything sinister.

“It was terrible,” Carla, from near Falmouth in Cornwall, told H&H.

“He’d been shot in the eye with an air rifle, the eye was so damaged it had to be removed. It was very upsetting.

“The shot went straight through his head — there was a wound and a burn where the pellet had come out the other side. He’s lucky it wasn’t worse.”

The two and a half-year-old stallion was being aimed at some show classes with Carla’s niece Tilly.

“He obviously can’t do that any more,” added Carla. “It’s such a shame.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I’m not against shooting but people need to be careful

— someone was obviously rabbiting. We’ve never had issues with shooting in surrounding fields before. We just want people to be aware of the dangers.”

Carla told H&H Marty is recovering well and is back to his “cheeky self”.

“He’s a stallion so he has a lot of character,” she added. “He’s a little confused as to why he can hear things from his left side but not see them so will take time but he will adjust but he’s adapting.”

Carla told H&H she called the police, who have been making enquiries in the area.

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Council shoots loose horses

Martha Terry — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 16:00:08 +0000

2 stray horses have been shot in a country park near Watford after the council branded them “an immediate danger” to the public.

Police were called to Leavesden Country Park, Herts, on 4 March following reports of loose horses. The Three Rivers District Council said that the police worked with council representatives for 4 hours trying to catch the horses — in vain. Finally they made the decision to shoot the pair, which was carried out by an officer on a quad bike.

Rebecca Emmett, the council’s head of regulatory services, said that this was done “very reluctantly and in the interests of public safety”.

The horses were “galloping unsupervised”. The council said they “had made efforts to locate owners for the horses, but no one has come forward”. One horse was microchipped, but the chip was not registered against an owner’s name. The second horse was not microchipped.

“They were an immediate danger to dog walkers and children in the park and were at risk of straying on to [roads],” Ms Emmett said. “[They were put down] quickly and humanely under careful supervision.”

The council said that they were assisted by an animal welfare agency, whose representatives were on hand before the horses were shot. However, the council told H&H that they will not disclose the agency’s identity. The usual port of call, the RSPCA, confirmed that no one at the organisation was contacted.

If the horses had been captured, they would have been held for 14 days before a decision would be made to euthanase.

There has been local uproar. One man said that the authorities “didn’t know what they were doing — it was wicked”. A riding centre manager said he was surprised that “no one asked for professional help”.

Campaign organisation Voices Against Neglect and Abuse of All Horses (Vanah) said that the actions of the council were “unforgivable” and asked if “this is the start of things to come against horses found loose”.

“Vanah is sickened to report this shooting of two innocent horses, guilty of wandering into a country park which is over 110 acres,” said a spokesman.

“Why were they not impounded? Why were they not held for 14 days?

“Was it simply to save costs and effort? What if they were much-loved family pets who had been let loose from their fields?”

Popular country website domain for sale as owner retires

Horse & Hound — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:45:29 +0000

Bill Field, who runs the Cotswold Country Pursuits website, is retiring after more than 30 years in the equestrian, shooting and fishing industries.

Mr Field contacted H&H to say “a big thank you” to his clients, suppliers and sponsors of the past 30 years.

He is now selling the Cotswold Country Pursuits domain which, he believes, “probably has the most hits of any country pursuits site on the web”.

“Over the years we have been supported by many companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Aigle, Barbour and [trade magazine] Equestrian Business Monthly and made many long-term friendships,” he said.

Anyone interested in carrying on the Cotswold Country Pursuits domain is asked to contact Mr Field directly on 07976-740375.

Donkey foal shot dead in its field

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:12:40 +0000

Police are investigating after donkey foal was shot and killed in Lanarkshire.

The two-week-old animal was shot between the eyes on Wednesday 8 August at around 6.30pm

Owner Alan Green found the foal dead in a field. He has more than 20 horses at his farm in Glenboig.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the wee thing lying there,” he told local press.

“It is very disturbing that someone is running around with a weapon capable of inflicting such injury.”

There has been other reported acts of vandalism in the area, with fencing cut and horses escaping.

Strathclyde Police told H&H that enquiries were continuing but that no arrests have been made.

Dressage horse was shot in his stable

Charlotte White — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:20:07 +0000

A Northamptonshire woman says her horse is recovering well two weeks after being shot in his stable on a livery yard.

Elaine O’Callaghan found 12-year-old Irish sport horse Sooty cowering at the back of his stable on 26 January.

And she was horrified to find a hole through his stable rug and a wound in the muscle at the top of his off-fore.

“I knew something was wrong as soon as I got onto the yard as he always whinnies to me as I come over.

“There was dried blood on the inside of his rug and I thought he must have been shot with a pellet.”

But an X-ray showed a much larger round in his leg.

“My vet sent the X-ray to a specialist at Newmarket [equine hospital] and I took him down there that night,” said Mrs O’Callaghan, who competes locally in dressage with Sooty.

The vets decided that the bullet, lodged near his elbow, cannot be removed.

“I really hope the person who did this is caught and brought to justice,” she told H&H. “It’s such a cruel thing to have done.”

She said he doesn’t appear to be lame but the long-term effect is not yet known.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police confirmed that they are investigating the incident.

Horse believed to have been shot dead in Somerset field

Horse & Hound — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:35:36 +0000

A 14-year-old thoroughbred x shire horse has been found dead in a Somerset field — with suspected gunshot wounds.

Owner Helen Salter found Lucky Touch at 9am in the field in Honiton Road, Churchinford near Taunton yesterday (18 July).

A post mortem examination is being made to establish the cause of death but the mare had six wounds to her stomach.

Mrs Salter, who lives a mile away from the field, told a local newspaper that the horse had been a birthday present and was “her little girl”.

The shooting was thought to have taken place over Sunday night as the mare had been checked the previous afternoon.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said the force is appealing for witnesses and looking into this incident with the RSPCA.

Police believe it was an isolated incident.

Anyone in the area at the time is asked to contact police on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ponies and cow shot dead as they grazed

Horse & Hound — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:43:27 +0000

Two ponies and a cow were shot dead as they grazed in their field in Derbyshire on Saturday (2 July).

A 52-year-old man was arrested by Derbyshire police and a rifle recovered after the incident at Monk’s Dale, near Tideswell.

Two other ponies in the same field were unharmed.

A police spokesman said: “We are looking into the motives behind this senseless act, but I would like to reassure members of the local community that this is an isolated incident.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (7 July, 2011)

Mare shot with crossbow while grazing in her field

Horse & Hound — Tue, 10 May 2011 11:40:24 +0000

A mare is recovering after being shot with a crossbow while grazing in her field in Felbridge, Surrey.

Police are warning horse owners to be vigilant after the attack, which took place on the morning of 12 April.

The 18-year-old received two wounds and was found in a distraught state. A 15-inch crossbow bolt was subsequently discovered in her field.

“This was a deliberate and shocking act of animal cruelty and one which has caused great distress to both the horse and the owner,” said PC Paul Clifton of Surrey police.

“This type of crime is extremely rare and clearly the person responsible needs to be identified. There are a number of regulations around the ownership and possession of a crossbow, particularly concerning those under 18, and I am appealing to anyone with any information about who may have carried out such a despicable act to come forward.

“Do you know someone who may have been in the area at the time who owns a crossbow or has use of one? Perhaps someone has bragged to you about targeting horses in such a way?

“I would urge all horse owners, and the rural community as a whole, to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious immediately.”

If you have any information, contact Surrey Police, tel: 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number TD/11/1783.

Man jailed for 56 days for shooting donkey

Horse & Hound — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:03:44 +0000

A Cornwall man who killed his sister’s donkey has been jailed for 56 days.

Darrel Duffill, 54, a recovering alcoholic from Duloe, south east Cornwall, had reportedly drunk half a bottle of rum before shooting the donkey in the head on 28 February.

He appeared before Bodmin Magistrates for sentencing on 23 March following pleading guilty on 2 March to shooting his sister’s donkey with an air rifle.

Magistrates described it as a “particularly nasty and callous offence, which had a horrendous impact”.

His sister Carolyn Jones found the 10-year-old donkey Claude, lying in a pool of blood in his stable.

The pair had reportedly had an argument earlier that day in which he’d said: “You better watch out. You might have a dead donkey, chicken or pony in the morning.”

Man accused of shooting his sister’s donkey in head

Horse & Hound — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:46:02 +0000

A man from Cornwall has appeared in court charged with killing his sister’s donkey.

Darrell Duffil stood before Bodmin magistrates on Wednesday (2 March).

He pleaded guilty of shooting his sister, Carolyn Jones’, donkey Claude in the head with an air rifle after an argument on Monday (28 February) in Looe, Cornwall.

Ms Jones found the 10-year-old donkey in the stable in a pool of blood.

The 54-year-old man had reportedly drunk half a bottle of rum before the alleged attack.

He has been remanded in custody until 9 March.

Police defend using 18 gun shots to kill loose horse

Horse & Hound — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:42:50 +0000

North Yorkshire Police has admitted there are “lessons to be learned” after marksmen took 18 shots to kill a stray horse.

On 12 September last year, two horses were shot by firearms officers in Dunnington, near York. The horses had been running loose for several days — including onto the nearby A1079.

But local residents were angry at the treatment of the horses after one was shot 18 times, some shots at long range.

An eyewitness said at the time: “It should not have been dealt with in the way it was — like fun target practice.”

But after a three-month review, Chief Superintendent Andy McMillan, director of specialist operations for the force, told H&H that no police rules had been broken.

“I’m confident there was no wrongdoing by officers, however there are a number of recommendations [we need to make]. It was an extremely unfortunate and unusual situation,” he said.

“The horses posed a very real and serious threat to public safety, the decision [to shoot] wasn’t taken lightly and three hours were spent trying to corral them first.”

According to Ch Supt McMillan, due to the “demeanour” of the first horse, it was not possible for armed officers to come closer than 300m, so all but three of the 18 shots were made with the animal moving erratically and at speed.

The horse was not dead after the first two shots, so an extra 13 shots were fired from a distance. When officers approached the fallen horse on foot, it became apparent it was still alive, so a further three shots were used.

“From the first shot to the last, less than five minutes elapsed with some of this time due to officers having cautiously to approach the horse as per relevant guidance,” added Ch Supt McMillan. “But there may have been other routes we could have taken before the horses were shot and perhaps we could have explained our actions more clearly to the public.”

The force intends to work closely with the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) and to improve communication with locals. They will also implement further rifle training.

BEVA vet Ben Mayes told H&H: “BEVA congratulate Yorkshire Police for their acceptance of responsibility for this incident and for their detailed investigation of the tragic outcome.

“BEVA, through Safer Horse Rescues, has been training vets in specialist rescue techniques, but dealing with stray horses on our roads remains a considerable challenge.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (30 December, 2010)

Foal killed in shooting at Exmoor rescue centre

Horse & Hound — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:36:01 +0000

An Exmoor foal has died and another is seriously injured after they were shot in their field at a horse sanctuary.

Police believe they were mistaken for deer.

When grooms at the Exmoor Pony Centre in Dulverton, Devon, discovered the eight-month-old foals on 27 December, one was lying on the ground and the other standing over it.

“The foals were unhandled so it was difficult to see exactly what injuries they had suffered,” Valerie Sherwin, who runs the centre, told H&H.

“We managed to get them in to the stables, but we practically had to carry one.

“Over the next few days, ‘Champ’ declined markedly and seemed to be suffering more and more pain. He had to be put down four days later.”

A post-mortem examination revealed the bullet had shattered his shoulder blade.

The other foal, “Bear” (pictured), shot in the lower neck, is recovering.

“The ponies were only 500 yards from my house so someone must have been out with high velocity rifles on private land,” said Valerie.

“We don’t believe it was a malicious attack, but it is absolutely disgusting that someone took a pot-shot at them and left them to suffer.”

An Exmoor National Park ranger told H&H: “I can almost guarantee the people who shot these ‘deer’ were there unbeknown to anyone and without permission. We have a problem with poaching.”

Police from Avon and Somerset Constabulary are investigating.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (14 January, ’10)

Horse expected to survive after being shot in head

Horse & Hound — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:49:05 +0000

A horse that was shot in the head in the USA is expected to make a recovery.

The three-year-old mare suffered brain swelling and lost some motor skills after being shot on Sunday (13 September) in Hastings, Nebraska.

Police believe she was shot with a .22 calibre rifle and it is still unknown what damage will be permanent.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and is being held in custody about the incident. A 15-year-old boy was also questioned and released.

Shire horse foal shot in horrific attack in Lancashire

Horse & Hound — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:48:01 +0000

Police are hunting for the person who shot and maimed a seven-month-old prize-winning foal in a “horrific attack” at a remote farm.

Shire horse Cara was blasted with a shotgun at close range while she was being sheltered by her mother at Buckhurst Farm, near Ramsbottom, in Lancashire.

Experts fear that Cara, who was exhibited recently at the Peterborough Show, may be left with long-term breathing and feeding difficulties.

She is being treated at Liverpool University’s veterinary hospital.

Police are appealing for any riders, ramblers and mountain bikers who might have seen or heard anything at the time of the attack overnight of 9/10 April will come forward.

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

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

“We believe this was an isolated attack and don’t believe that other horse owners are at risk.”

She added: “We need to catch the person responsible for this terrible atrocity which has left an animal maimed. Its trust of humans will, without doubt, be affected, possibly for life.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237347 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Boys imprisoned for killing Shetland ponies

Charlotte White — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:59:48 +0000

Two teenaged boys have been sent to young offender institutions after shooting dead two Shetland ponies belonging to a nursing home in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Daniel Walker, 18, of Dodington, Whitchurch, and a 15-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were sentenced on 19 February at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

Both had admitted carrying a firearm with intent to commit criminal damage and unlawfully carrying a firearm with ammunition in a public place.

The 15-year-old had also admitted entering a property in Whitchurch and stealing firearms.

The ponies were shot at Edgeley House Nursing and Residential Home between May 3 and 4, 2008.

Walker was sentenced to four years in a young offender institution and the youth was ordered to serve a minimum of two years in custody.

The judge told the youth he seemed to take “a sadistic pleasure” from the animals’ suffering.

Horse shot in eye at point-blank range to be put down

Horse & Hound — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:09:45 +0000

A horse shot in the eye at point-blank range with an air gun last week is to be put down. Vets were unable to save the horse’s eye.

The 16.1hh Clydesdale and an eight-year-old miniature Shetland/Falabella were discovered distressed in their field in Lodge Bottom Lane, Headley, Surrey, last Saturday.

The gun pellets were so deeply embedded in the right eyes of both animals that vet Mike Burrell concluded they had been shot at point-blank range.

“The pellets were lodged so far back in their eyes that it was clear they had been shot with the barrel of the gun against their eyeball,” said Mr Burrell. “In all my years as a vet I have never seen anything as bad as this.”

The Clydesdale, named Boo, lost his left eye to cancer four years ago and Mr Burrell said because it was not possible to salvage the right eye he would have to be put down.

The Shetland, Buckaroo, will survive but had to have his right eye removed.

The horses’ owner, Jane Sinclair, 37, said: “We found out when we went down there to feed them on Saturday and realised that there was something dreadfully wrong.

“The Shetland is my daughter’s, who is almost three, and she understands he was hurt. She keeps saying he will be better soon.

“Imogen adores her pony and we take her down to see him every day. Buckaroo follows her around and lets her ride him. They are so sweet together.”

The incident happened sometime between 7.30pm on Friday, 16 January, and 12pm on Saturday.

Mole Valley Sergeant Peter Gunning-Stevenson said: “This was a deliberate and shocking act of animal cruelty.

“This incident has distressed the owners and the whole equestrian community in the area which is why I am appealing to members of the public to help us.

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference MV/09/242.

Horses may lose sight after being shot in the eye

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:28:29 +0000

A miniature Shetland pony and a Clydesdale are undergoing extensive veterinary treatement after being shot in the eye.

The 8-year-old miniature Shetland/Falabella and the 16.1hh Clydesdale were both found with air pellet puncture wounds to their right eyes.

Both animals are in danger of losing their sight after the attack which occurred between 7.30pm on Friday 16 January and 12pm on Saturday 17 January Lodge Bottom Lane, Headley.

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses.

Mole Valley Sergeant Peter Gunning-Stevenson said: “This was a deliberate and shocking act of animal cruelty.

“This incident has distressed the owners and the whole equestrian community in the area.”

Police are especially concerned as the attack comes only a few weeks after a bull was injured in Slough Lane.

Sergeant Gunning-Stevenson added: “At the moment we are not ruling out that the two incidents are connected which is why we need information from the community. I am urgently appealing to anyone with any information at all,”

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference MV/09/242.

Case adjourned for teenagers accused of shooting ponies

Horse & Hound — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:40:56 +0000

Two teenagers, accused of killing 2 Shetland ponies in Shropshire, have had their case adjourned until 27 August.

The 2 boys, aged 15 and 18, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday, 4 August, but were not asked to make a plea to any charges.

Shetland ponies Bill and Ben were found dead at a Edgeley House and Court care home in Whitchurch on 7 May 2008.

The pair face allegations of carrying a loaded gun in public and killing the ponies.

Prize-winning horse shot with an air rifle in Midlothian

Horse & Hound — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:36:38 +0000

Police are appealing for witnesses after a prize-winning horse was shot with an air rifle.

Sharif, a 22-year-old gelding owned by Linda Pantellerisco, was shot in the neck in a field near Musselburgh on Friday 18 July, sometime between 11am and midday.

Mrs Pantellerisco was called by a neighbour who noticed a lump on Sharif’s neck when she went down to the field.

When the vet was called it was found that it was a pellet from an air rifle that had been shot at close range.

It is thought that Sharif was shot between 11am and midday on Friday 18 July.

Linda’s husband John told H&H: “Sharif is such a passive horse and my wife is gutted. There are prizes all over the house that the pair of them have won. They’ve even been the East Scotland Show Champion.”

“The vet said that the pellet was only two inches away from his main arteries — if they had been any closer he would have bled to death.”

Sharif is currently being treated with antibiotics and is recovering well.

Police in Midlothian are appealing for information from anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anyone carrying an air weapon, or acting suspiciously.

Anyone with any information should tel: 0131 3113131

Teenagers face charges over ponies shot in paddock

Charlotte White — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:59:43 +0000

Two teenagers are to appear at crown court to face charges over the deaths of two Shetland ponies in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

The boys, aged 13 and 18, who legally cannot be named, are alleged to have shot ponies Bill and Ben in a field at Edgeley House and Court care home on 3 May.

The boys face charges of possession of firearms, criminal damage and cruelty to animals.

Magistrates at Shrewsbury on Friday, 20 June adjourned the case until 4 July when the boys will be committed to crown court.

Two Shetland ponies shot dead in a field in Shropshire

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:43:43 +0000

Two Shetland ponies were shot dead in a field in Shropshire at the weekend.

The ponies were killed between 3pm on Saturday 3 May and 7am on Sunday 4 May in a field on Edgeley Road, Whitchurch.

The ponies, named Bill and Ben, belonged to Edgeley House and Court care home and had lived in the care home’s paddocks for about 12 years as pets of the 60 residents.

Home manager Liz Jones told H&H: “We are all very sad and really shocked by what has happened. The mood in the home is very morose.”

Two youths aged 14 and 17 appeared before Telford magistrates yesterday on charges of possession of firearms, criminal damages and cruelty to animals.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone police on 08457 444888.”