MORE than 16,000 people have signed a petition calling for the girl caught on film beating a pony to be charged by the RSPCA with animal abuse.
The animal charity says it is still investigating the incident, and that it is “taking the matter very seriously”.
The online petition also calls for the girl’s “right to own animals” to be restricted, and states that the “abuse” shown on the footage “must be stopped”.
It states: “For all who have seen the footage of the incident in question this petition has been set up to express the concerns of the public.
“Please as an animal lover sign, share and support this petition.
“Whether or not you agree [with] hitting/punishing an animal when it ‘misbehaves’… it is clear to all who witness this footage that this poor pony is suffering abuse.
“The condition and health of her animals does not change her actions, seen in the footage of this incident.”
The video shows the girl sitting bareback on a grey pony, which bucks her off.
She then appears to strike it repeatedly while a male voice shouts encouragement.
It has been viewed more than 1.8m times, and attracted thousands of comments online condemning the girl’s actions.
A spokesman for RSPCA Cymru said: “This is an ongoing investigation and we are continuing to make necessary enquiries.
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“We are taking this matter very seriously, and thank everyone who has provided information to support this.
“We cannot comment further at this time, but would urge anyone with any further information to contact our 24-hour advice and cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”
A spokesman for World Horse Welfare told H&H yesterday (2 November) it was in “close contact” with the RSPCA over the footage, and also urged anyone with first-hand information to call the advice line.
