Pony finds refuge at Raystede

Earlier this week a farmer walking his land found an injured pony had been abandoned in one of his fields near Barcombe.

On checking the pony, she was found to have serious injuries to her rear quarters and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, near Lewes, were contacted.

The centre arranged for her to be taken to an equine veterinary practice for examination and treatment, where it was assessed the injuries may have been caused by the pony recently giving birth.

Nigel Mason, Chief Executive of Raystede said: "It is possible that the pony strayed or escaped from her field. If this is the case then we appeal for the owner to make contact with us as a matter of urgency.

"However, if this pony has been deliberately abandoned then this constitutes a clear act of cruelty and we will do everything possible to ensure the irresponsible owner is brought to justice".

He added, "The veterinary bill will be covered by Raystede but is likely to run into a four figure sum.  Whilst I appreciate times are particularly hard for people, there is still no excuse to leave an animal to suffer in this way.  I implore people to seek help and advice from organisations like ourselves when they are having problems".

It seems it is not just a dog that is for life.