A trailer used to transport a therapy horse and donkey has been stolen along with equipment worth £1,000.
The dark blue Ifor Williams was kept behind locked gates at Exotic Zoo in Telford.
It was full of equipment for the zoo including tanks for its vet room and exhibits.
Thieves cut through the gate lock, forced the hitch lock from the trailer and towed it away last Thursday (25 January).
A member of the public notified police at around 9.30pm and officers are investigating the crime.
“It was a double whammy taking the equipment as well as the trailer,” zoo director Scott Adams told H&H.
“They’ll probably just take the tanks out and throw them down a bank.
“We have our other vehicles insured but not the trailer.”
Miniature donkey Small and American miniature horse Dodger provide animal-assisted therapy to those local to the zoo.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Small and nine-year-old former show pony Dodger are “inseparable”, and popular among staff and visitors alike.
The trailer was bought 12 months ago for £2,500 to transport the pair.
“Everything is on hold at the moment,” said Mr Adams. “It’s disheartening with all we do in the community.
“Police are looking for it but it’s probably not going to turn up.”
Mr Adams added that he has been heartened by the response to the zoo’s social media appeal to trace the trailer.
“I’ve lost count of the number of likes and share’s it’s had,” he said. “It’s really nice.”
Continued below…
Tiny emaciated foal found roaming by motorway
The colt gave rescuers the run-around despite his desperately thin condition
‘My hat saved me’: rider trampled in dog attack
The hat was ‘totally smashed’ as it did its job of protecting the rider from a kick to the head
Off to a show this weekend? Read these 9 winter showing life hacks…
Brave the cold and give yourself the best chance of bagging the top spot with these winter showing life hacks
Sergeant Andy Garrett said: “We are asking members of the public to look out for the trailer.
“If anybody has any information about the theft or the whereabouts of the trailer, contact West Mercia Police on 101 using reference 608S 250118.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
