Two Shetland ponies were injured in the attack in the early hours of Sunday morning. Image: stock photo.

Ponies sustained wounds consistent with being stabbed

Preston Police are appealing for information following a “deliberate attack” on a group of Shetland ponies.

The incident occurred in the Lea Town area of Preston in the early hours of Sunday morning (20 August). Two Shetland ponies were seriously injured in the attack, one of which has died as a result.

“This appears to be a deliberate attack which has caused great distress, not only to the owner but the animals themselves,” Preston Police said in a statement.

“Both ponies sustained wounds consistent with being slashed/stabbed around the neck and hind areas. We are requesting equine owners to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.”

The two ponies involved in the attack, Matilda and Lucas, are owned by 24-year-old Khrystinea Farnworth.

Matilda is now recovering from her injuries, but her son, Lucas, sustained identical wounds and did not survive. Miss Farnworth believes that he may have panicked and suffered from a heart attack.

Speaking to Sky News, she described the incident as “disgusting” and “barbaric”.

"You don't expect it to happen to you. I still can't process what has actually happened,” she said. “We are in the middle of nowhere and have no enemies.”

Anybody with any information that can assist with this investigation can email PC Magee at 8997@lancashire.pnn.police.uk and quote log reference LC-20170820-0693.