Springer spaniel attack injures therapy pony in Devon
Police seek information on dog owner after distressing incident
Devon and Cornwall Police are seeking assistance in identifying the owner of a Springer Spaniel involved in an attack on a miniature Shetland pony in Bere Alston, Devon, earlier this month.
The pony, named Scooter, is part of Collytown Therapy Ponies, which provides support to neurodivergent children.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 10th May when a dog entered a paddock, chased two ponies and Scooter was injured after he collided with a gate post.
The police have described the dog owner as a female aged between 20 and 30, approximately 5ft 6ins tall, with dark hair pulled back into a ponytail.
The dog involved is believed to be a six-month-old on brown and white Springer Spaniel, wearing a harness.
PC Lucy Wyatt, the lead for Equine Crime at Devon and Cornwall Police, highlighted the risks to animals when dogs are not under proper control.
"This is a very distressing incident," she said.
"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."
Charmaine Blamey, Scooter's owner and operator of Collytown Therapy Ponies, emphasized the importance of responsible dog ownership.
"Scooter is part of our family and a companion to our other horses. He is also part of our therapy service,” she said.
"I would like the owner to come forward; 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.
"If you’re not sure of your dog’s recall ability, please, please, please put your dog on a lead around other animals."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via their website or by calling 101 and quoting the crime reference number 50260122054.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with CrimeStoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555111.