Pony At Sanctuary Supported By Will Young Dies After Attack From Trolls

A rescue pony at a sanctuary which is supported by Will Young has tragically died after a vicious attack that’s being blamed on vile internet trolls.

This is so sad.

Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

Will Young, who owns a hideaway home on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, is a big supporter of the nearby Shires Holt charity, which is run by Pip and Kerrie Lovelock and works to rescue horses.

However, whilst Will’s show of love for the charity is obviously amazing and something they are very grateful for, with the singer even adopting a shetland pony named Sheila, staff believe his involvement has, sadly, led to an increased level of social media attacks and the attack on Braeburns.

Braeburns, a beautiful cob gelding, had to be put down after the horrible incident, which allegedly saw the attackers release him from his field and force him to run through barbed wire fences and brambles before he fell into a river and suffered terrible ‘spinal and internal damage’.

Sharing the devastating news on their website, the charity wrote that those responsible even tore out ‘handfuls of his fur’.

Speaking to The Mirror, Pip said: “We have been receiving a number of attacks on social media and personally. It escalated when we announced that Will Young is supporting our sanctuary - a lot of slanderous comments ensued.

“Whilst we are out dealing with injured ponies, people are on Facebook and Twitter trying to sabotage our work. Up until now we have ignored the social media onslaught and refuse to be drawn into negative comments.”

Adding that this attack has been the ‘last straw’, Pip continued: “He was laid down in the river and very distressed, suffering and shaking from the affects of shock and hypothermia from being in the cold river. I took a bucket of food with me and he recognised me straight away.

Copyright [Robin Burns/REX/Shutterstock]

“We are devastated because we have lost a very, very good friend. We are very concerned as well. He was a wonderful fellow, whenever you would come to field he would always come over to say hello.

“He was always curious and wondering what you were up to. He was the kindest, gentlest and most personable pony we have ever known.“

Police are appealing for information and witnesses to the attack, which happened in Trewarmett, Tintagel, between 3pm and 5.30pm on July 1, saying: “If anyone saw noticed anything suspicious or saw anyone in the area during this time period, please contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime number CR/045440/16.”