Therapy pony injured by out-of-control dog

The owner of a dog that was out of control causing a therapy pony to be injured has been urged to come forward.

Miniature Shetland pony Scooter was hurt in Bere Alston, Devon, after a springer spaniel ran into his paddock and chased him and another pony. As he tried to escape, Scooter crashed into a gate post.

Scooter plays a big role in Collytown Therapy Ponies, a service that supports neurodivergent children in the local community.

Devon & Cornwall Police said the dog had been described as being a six-month-old brown and white spaniel wearing a harness.

Scooter's owner Charmaine Blamey said she would like the dog's owner "to see the damage her dog has caused, and to have a valuable conversation about how this kind of incident can be prevented in the future".

She added: "If you're not sure of your dog's recall ability, please, please, please put your dog on a lead around other animals."

Police said the dog's owner was a woman aged between 20 and 30, about 5ft 6in tall with dark hair tied back in a ponytail. She was said to be well-spoken.

Officers said the attack on 10 May highlighted the risks of dogs being out of control around livestock.

PC Lucy Wyatt said: "This is a very distressing incident which highlights the risk to animals, including livestock, when dogs are not under proper control.

"We are urging anyone who has information about this incident, or who may be able to identify the owner or the dog involved based on the description provided, to please come forward.

"If you are the owner of the dog involved, please do the right thing and make contact with us."

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