Police in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, have launched an investigation after Samson, a Shetland pony was shot by an airgun while grazing in a field
Samson, a seven-year-old, 8hh Shetland gelding was discovered by his owner Claire Simmonite with an airgun pellet lodged in his nasal bone just above his left nostril.
Initially, Claire, from New Hey Road in Oakes, tried to remove the pellet herself: “Samson let me catch him, but I couldn’t get it out so I called the vet who removed it and gave him a tetanus shot, as well as antibiotics and painkillers.”
Claire has owned Samson for five years and the pony is regularly ridden by her two daughters, seven-year-old Ellie and five-year-old Maizie.
“It is heartbreaking that someone has done this to him, especially as he is such an easy-going, friendly pony.
“My daughters are very upset and we are worried because the person who has done this may well do it again.”
It is believed that Samson, who is kept in a field in Cowlersley, Huddersfield, was shot sometime between lunchtime on Wednesday 11 September and 10.30am the next day.
Claire’s boyfriend, Dennis Mellor keeps his horse in the field next to Samson. He has offered a reward if information received by the police leads to a conviction.
Sgt Bob Filby from Huddersfield police said: “Whoever did this may have boasted about what they done and we would like anyone with any information to contact us.”
Anyone with any information regarding this incident should contact Sgt Filby (tel: 01484 436659).
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