Horse Injured in crossbow attack

Tuesday, 26 April 2011 09:11

Surrey Police have reported that a horse was shot and injured with a crossbow in a field in Felbridge last week.

The 18-year-old mare suffered two wounds in her back from the attack last Tuesday morning, but the details have only just been released.

Officers reported that a 15-inch crossbow bolt with a metal tip was found later in the field.

The Police are urging horse owners and the rural community to be extra vigilant.

PC Paul Clifton, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) for Felbridge said:

"This was a deliberate and shocking act of animal cruelty and one which has caused great distress to both the horse and the owner."

"This type of crime is extremely rare and clearly the person responsible needs to be identified."

"There are a number of regulations around the ownership and possession of a crossbow, particularly concerning those under 18, and I am appealing to anyone with any information about who may have carried out such a despicable act to come forward."

PC Clifton continues..."Do you know someone who may have been in the area at the time who owns a crossbow or has use of one? Perhaps someone has bragged to you about targeting horses in such a way?"

"Details of the incident are being circulated via the CountryWatch and Horse Watch schemes and I would urge all horse owners, and the rural community as a whole, to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious immediately."

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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