A horse who was found “mutilated” in its field had to be put down, after a number of reports of sheep being deliberately injured and killed in the same area.
The attack on the horse, who was turned out in a field near Newport, Shropshire, was reported to West Mercia Police at just after 5.30pm on Friday, 15 March.
“The mutilation of a dressage horse in a field at Tibberton was reported,” a spokesman for the force said.
“A vet said that the horse could not have injured itself and sadly, the animal had to be put to sleep due to injuries sustained.
“There have been recent reports in Shropshire and in Warwickshire of sheep in fields being mutilated and slaughtered.”
The spokesman urged locals to “remain vigilant around your area and report suspicious persons, vehicles or activity to the police”.
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West Mercia Police told H&H the force is making enquiries into the incident, asking anyone with information to call officers on 101, quoting incident number 557s of March 15.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
