Horse Brutally Attacked on Epsom Downs
Tuesday, 22 March 2011 10:05
Surrey police are investigating an incident after it was reported that a Staffordshire bull terrier attacked a horse on Epsom Downs on Saturday the 12th of March. The incident in question occurred at 3:15pm while Sophie Harwin was riding Zoe Brooks’ horse Dancer through the park.
It is reported that the Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog ran towards the horse, and began to circle and bark at him before jumping ‘on all fours, biting Dancer’. The attack lasted ten minutes and Dancer was left trembling and injured with five puncture wounds to the chest, foreleg elbow and hindquarters.
A passer-by, a mister Martin Hill, is reported to have described the incident as frightening, explaining that he ‘couldn’t see the dog ever giving up’. While assisting the rider and attempting to calm the horse, Mr Hill was also bitten on the upper arm.
The dog's owner was present at the time, yet Ms Harwin felt "the owner clearly didn't care, he didn't even apologise". Mr Hill said the owner spoke only to say "He hasn't done this before"; he then proceeded to get into his car and "speed off".
After seeking veterinary advice Zoe was advised to monitor the situation and keep the horse on bute but as his vaccinations were up to date he should be ok.
