A horse owner in Surrey is appealing for information after her sick horse was stolen last week, just before he was to be put to sleep.
Harley, a 17hh black gelding was taken from his field in Tilford between 9pm on 21 October and 9.30am 22 October.
The 18-year-old has a white star and snip and a white short sock on his off hind leg.
He was wearing a brown Rambo duo rug.
Harley was due to be put down last week.
“He kept falling over and we’d had the vet a number of times to no avail so decided out of duty of care to the horse to put him down,” said Sally Hall, who’s owned Harley for eight years.
“He has no value, apart from to me, but he will be a cost to keep, he’s a big animal and he can’t live on fresh air. I just don’t want to see him being abused. He’s a lovely horse — a gentle giant.”
Surrey police are investigating the theft.
A police spokesman confirmed there had been no similar incidents in the area in the past month.
She added: “Unknown offenders gained entry to the paddock by removing the padlock and chain securing the gate and took one of two horses from within.
“Enquiries have been made with local landowners but so far no witnesses have been identified.”
Anyone with any information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference WV/10/5959.