Shetland ponies stabbed in neck in 'barbaric' night-time attack

Nine Shetland ponies have been stabbed and slashed in a "barbaric" night-time attack - with one dying from a suspected heart attack.

The rescue horses were targeted in a field near Preston, Lancashire.

Their owner, Khrystinea Farnworth, said one female pony had "had her trust broken again by a human".

Matilda was rescued seven years ago when it was discovered she was being tethered to a tree with barbed wire.

The horse recovered and gave birth to a foal, Lucas, but in the early hours of Sunday both had their necks and hind areas slashed with knives.

Lucas died in the attack and Miss Farnworth suspects it was because he panicked and had a heart attack.

Seven other Shetlands also suffered injuries, while a stallion was thought to have been herded into a different enclosure by the offender.

"It's disgusting and barbaric," said Miss Farnworth.

"You don't expect it to happen to you. I still can't process what has actually happened.

"We are in the middle of nowhere and have no enemies."

She dashed to the ponies' rescue after the nearby pub phoned to warn her three of the animals were on the loose.

"Lucas was lying motionless in the field. I have gone running up to him and the first thing I saw was a stab wound to the side of his neck," said Miss Farnworth.

Matilda, who already had neck scars, is recovering from her injuries.

"She has lost her son. She is an older pony and she is exhausted. She has had her trust broken by a human again," said Miss Farnworth.

"She knows she has lost him. She keeps shouting for him, she keeps whinnying. It's upsetting.

"They are all pets. They are our lives. They can't speak, they can't defend themselves, that is why we have so many rescue horses. We give them a voice.

"I don't understand people' s mentality to be able to do that."

Police have warned horse owners in the area to be vigilant.