Owners urged to be vigilant after horse put down following deliberate attack
Police are urging owners to be vigilant after a horse who sustained such serious wounds in a malicious attack had to be put down.
The 18-year-old mare sustained a significant wound to her neck and shoulder between 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday (29 October) in a field in Mendham, Suffolk.
A spokesman for Suffolk Police said the mare had been wearing a rug, which it is believed was removed by the suspect before the attack.
“The horse had to be put to sleep as a result of the wound,” he said. “Officers investigating believe it to have been a deliberate attack.”
Sgt Brian Calver, from the rural crime team, said: “We would suggest other horse owners review their security measures in their paddocks and stables, and we are also urging the wider public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“This is a particularly disturbing attack and one which we don’t want to see repeated. It’s vital we catch those responsible as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone with information on the incident should contact police, quoting crime reference 37/65784/19.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 31 October 2019, don’t miss our vet and National Hunt specials — packed full of interesting features, interviews and much more, including why equine legs swell up and what to do about it and how National Hunt trainers approach jump schooling their horses. Read our feature on how to minimise your horse’s distress when it comes to fireworks and some vet advice on what your horse needs to stay healthy this winter. Read our reports from across the disciplines including eventing action from France, racing from Cheltenham and much more.
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
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.