An on-duty RSPCA inspector had her windscreen smashed while she was attending to an equine emergency.
The charity has condemned the actions and said it highlights the difficulties faced by its officers on the front line.
RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil was called to an urgent case in Cardiff on 7 February and was helping vets when her van was attacked in Wentloog Avenue between 5pm and 5.30pm.
She said it was “very frustrating” as it meant she couldn’t travel to other callouts while the van was being repaired.
“We have a very small band of frontline officers in Wales and acts of vandalism like this put us off the road,” said Ms McNeil.
“Sadly, this highlights the challenging, difficult conditions and circumstances we face every day in keeping animals safe.
“Some people don’t like what we do and try and disrupt us, but we won’t be deterred in working for Welsh animals’ right around the clock.”
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She urged anyone with information to call police on 101, quoting reference 1900046957.
“I was in a field with a local veterinarian responding to an equine welfare emergency. Meanwhile, in daylight, someone decides to smash my windscreen,” she added.
“This happened on a busy road in east Cardiff, at rush hour — so we’re sure someone will have seen something.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
