A police horse had to have stitches after it was attacked by a dog while on duty yesterday (22 March).
The dog was seized after the incident, in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets.
Video shared on social media shows two mounted police officers riding bay horses, one which was the target of the attack. The dog can be seen continually leaping at the distressed horse, which spun and side-stepped as it tried to avoid the dog.
As bystanders yelled “Get hold of the dog”, and “Whose dog is it”, the horse repeatedly went down on to its knees, as it appeared the dog’s teeth were sunk into its leg.
Eventually, someone grabbed the dog and pulled it away, and the officer managed to dismount from the horse.
@lailaboll Watch at your own discretion #victoriapark #london ♬ original sound – Laila Bell
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told H&H: “On Wednesday, 22 March a dog was seized in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, after it attacked a police horse.
“The horse required stitches and is expected to return to duty following its recovery. The dog remains in police kennels and officers are in contact with its owner.
“No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.”
You might also be interested in:
‘Do you know what you’ve done?’: two riders speak out after terrifying dog attacks on beaches
‘So many people find animals dead’: owner of horses attacked by dog calls for action
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
