RSPCA appeal for information after pony abandoned and left to die
The pony was in a poor condition and had wounds on her hooves
The RSPCA is appealing for information, after a dying pony was abandoned down a secluded pathway, in Bovingdon.
The harrowing discovery was made by a member of the public, who found the deceased pony at around 6.45pm, on September 11.
The pony was found along a small pathway on Highcroft Trailer Gardens, Hempstead Road.
RSPCA officer Ellie Barnes-Wilson attended the location and has since launched an investigation.
It is understood the pony was a 17 year-old skewbald, called Tara.
It is thought that she was transported to the area and then walked to the location where she was found. There was evidence of the mud being disturbed by the pony, as she would have been struggling while in a collapsed state.
She was very underweight, had a large mite burden, had sores on her leg and her front hooves were overgrown and had open wounds, which would have been extremely painful for her.
Fur was found on some brambles nearby and a headcollar with a lead rope was wrapped around the closet tree.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie Barnes-Wilson, said: “What has happened to this poor pony is heartbreaking. She had clearly been neglected and then someone had treated her like a piece of rubbish in her final hours.
“It is clear she was led to the remote location alive and was left to die at the scene. It can be seen in the mud, where she struggled on the ground for an unknown period of time.
“I have been carrying out a number of enquiries in the area and have found out the pony was around 17 years-old and called Tara.
“I am keen to find the person responsible for what has happened to Tara and I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area.
“Anyone who can help is urged to call the RPSCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident 01902745.”