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Police launch appeal after Shetland ponies attacked
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.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.