A horse has died after impaling itself on a fence — while fleeing a dog.
Pippie, who belonged to Lynda Dangerfield from Stroud, Glos, was spooked when a dog escaped into her field last week (22 April).
The five-year-old grey panicked and jumped a fence to escape. She then attempted to clear a second fence, but was reportedly impaled through the stomach by a post.
The horse died before a vet arrived.
There was no owner in sight and the dog was reported to be a Staffordshire bull terrier.
“She was a member of our family and such a sweet, kind-natured horse,” Linda told local press.
“It was absolutely horrendous. I want to appeal for anyone who knows who the owner is to contact the police.”
Gloucestershire Police told H&H they are investigating the incident.
Anyone with any information should call the police on 101.
Earlier this month H&H reported that a record number of dog attacks were reported in March, leaving riders and equestrian organisations urging other victims to share their experiences.
Thirty nine incidents involving dogs were reported to the British Horse Society (BHS) in March — three times higher than last year.
“This figure is particularly high and raises questions as to why,” said Sheila Hardy of the BHS.
“Improvements can only be made if we have the hard facts to take forward to those in power.”
Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act last year means dog owners can be now be prosecuted if their pet causes injury to a rider on private or public land.
If prosecuted, owners could face a fine up to £20,000 and/or be sent to prison.
However, currently prosecutions can only be brought if the dog injures a rider — or puts them in fear of being harmed — not if a horse is injured.
“We would still like to see attacks against other animals be criminalised,” said Lee Hackett of the BHS. “At present it is very difficult to take action if a dog attacks a horse. We do need more people to report incidents and even near misses. Without data we will never achieve changes in legislation.”
