Beaten, dead pony dumped in Essex field
Essex Horsewatch has put out a further appeal for information after the body of a dead and badly beaten pony was found dumped in a field in Pea Lane, Ockendon.
Valerie Crawford, of the Horsewatch group, said a farmer found the mare in his field, under a pile of wood a week ago.
The skewbald was around 14hh and had feathered front feet.
“The field was close to the road so we believe whoever dumped her may have dragged her into the field from a vehicle,” said Ms Crawford.
The mare, estimated to be 10 years old, had a broken eye socket, which was almost definitely sustained before death.
The mare’s ears had also been ringed in red tape and she had spots of purple spray all over her body.
“We want to find out who attacked her in this way,” said Ms Crawford. “She did not deserve this ill-treatment and must have died in great pain.”
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If you have information, contact Essex Horsewatch in confidence at www.essexhorsewatch.org.uk
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A self-confessed newshound, farmer’s daughter and journalist of many years' experience, Charlotte worked on regional papers before joining H&H in 2007. A regular rider, she visited Ireland in 2010 to investigate the fate of Irish horses through the recession, to much acclaim, and reported from the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. She left Horse & Hound in March 2013.