Police and Horsewatch groups in Bedfordshire are warning owners in the area to be on their guard after a stolen pony died after falling through the floor of a stolen horse trailer.
Two ponies were stolen from a field in Edworth Road, Langford overnight last Wednesday (12 August) – Thursday (13 August).
The ponies were then loaded into a stolen trailer and driven away through Dunton.
The trailer was later found dumped in Croydon, Cambridgeshire. A passing motorist noticed the abandoned box at 12.20am and telephoned the police. On arrival they found a pony trapped inside.
Due to rotting floorboards one of the ponies, a black mare called Annie, fell through the bottom of the trailer and became trapped — seriously injuring her leg.
The fire brigade, RSPCA and a vet were called, but the pony’s injuries were too severe and she was put down at the scene.
The second pony — a skewbald mare called Jaylu — escaped and bolted when the trailer was abandoned. She was later found unhurt and was returned to her owner.
The police are now appealing for anyone who might have seen the trailer being towed to call them urgently.
“The thieves have not only committed a crime by stealing the horses, they have callously just unhitched the trailer when the bottom collapsed and driven off, leaving one of the ponies trapped and in terrible pain. Annie’s owner is understandably distraught about what has happened,” said PC Becky Wayland from Biggleswade police.
The trailer had the name Ambers Tressure etched inside it.
Anyone with information should contact Bedfordshire Police on (01234) 841212, or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.
