Elderly Shetland ‘distressed’ after suspected dog attack
A 19-year-old Shetland has been left “really distressed” following a suspected dog attack at Devon’s largest horse rescue centre.
The Mare & Foal Sanctuary has appealed to people to keep their dogs under control after finding mare Chloe with deep wounds earlier this week.
The Shetland’s groom Amy Dearlove noticed the injuries — which appeared consistent with a dog attack — when she brought her in from the field.
“It was a real shock. There was quite a few deep wounds and poor Chloe was obviously really distressed,” she said.
“We managed to calm her down. She was pretty shaken up and she’s going to need weeks of treatment and care.”
Chloe is one of the oldest and smallest residents at the centre’s retirement yard in South Manor near Newton Abbot.
“She really didn’t deserve this,” Amy added. “She’s such a brave little thing and we’re going to give her the best care possible.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
It’s thought a dog may have jumped a fence or got under a gate on a footpath near the premises.
The sanctuary’s executive director Syra Bowden reminded dog owners that it is their responsibility to keep their pets away from vulnerable animals such as sheep, horses and ponies.
“We’re helping the police track down the owner because, if it was a dog attack, we’re worried it may strike again,” she said.
“When people think of dogs attacking animals they automatically think of sheep. But Chloe is only 31 inches tall and could easily be brought down by a large dog. It’s a miracle her injuries weren’t worse.”
Chloe suffered several deep cuts to her left side near her stifle and several smaller lacerations to her right side, as well as serious bruising.
She is expected to make a full recovery, but will still endure “weeks of pain” as a result of the attack.
Syra added: “We are a rescue charity and all our ponies come to us for safety and security and, in the case of South Manor, to live out their last days in peace.
Continues below…
Beloved family Shetland killed in dog attack
A family has been left "devastated" after their pony was attacked and killed by dogs on Christmas Eve
Mare ‘a millimetre from death’ after dog attack
The rider's daughter has started a petition calling for a change in the law on out-of-control dogs
‘My hat saved me’: rider trampled in dog attack
The hat was ‘totally smashed’ as it did its job of protecting the rider from a kick to the head
“Chloe loves sharing a cup of tea and is such a brave, independent little mare. We’re really hoping this doesn’t affect her loving and happy nature.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which is thought to have taken place on Sunday night or Monday morning (13-14 May). Anyone who might have seen anything can call 101, quoting crime reference number CR/041844/18.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
This week’s edition (17 May) features a full report from Royal Windsor Horse Show, including all the showing, showjumping and dressage action. We go behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry as they prepare for the royal wedding, plus check out our interview with Irish eventer Padraig McCarthy.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
