Horse shot dead and dumped in rider’s garden

Two men have been arrested after a horse was shot and dumped in its rider’s garden last night (15 October) — allegedly over a dispute about a livery bill.

The horse, Kit, was a seven-year-old thoroughbred that was on loan to Beckie Warner.

Ms Warner called North Yorkshire police at 9.40pm last night after finding the ex-racehorse dumped at her home in the village of Raskelf, near Easingwold.

Ms Warner told the local press she was “absolutely devastated” and couldn’t believe someone “could do something so evil.”

She said she heard the JCB in the street last night and after putting her children to bed and discovered the body when she took the rubbish out.

A spokesman from North Yorkshire police confirmed that they arrested a 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man at 12.30am this morning on suspicion of criminal damage.

“They both remain in police custody and police enquiries are currently ongoing,” the spokesman added.

Karen Colman, the RSPCA’s deputy chief inspector, was also called to the property in Raskelf and assisted the police with their investigation into the horse’s death until the early hours of this morning.

“We will continue to offer our assistance where required but the matter is being led by North Yorkshire Police and anyone with information should contact them directly,” said an RSPCA spokesman.

Anyone with further information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 01904 618691.

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