Horse rider suffers broken ribs after falling off during dog attack on Camel Trail

Police are investigating allegations of a Staffie being dangerously out of control

TJ after the incident
Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 6th Jul 2022

A horse rider has suffered broken ribs after falling off during a reported dog attack along the Camel Trail in Wadebridge.

Police are investigating allegations a Staffie was dangerously out of control last Thursday evening (30th June).

The horses also suffered minor injuries and bite marks during the incident.

Now their owner, Bethany Cathrae, is raising awareness and urging other riders to take care after what happened to her and her husband TJ.

Injuries caused to one of the horses

Posting on Facebook, she said two people rushed to help when the incident happened.

Bethany said: "As the dog launched a prolonged attack on my horses coming back again and again while we galloped down the trail I was helped by two wonderful members of the public; one a tall man with light hair and I think a black spaniel type dog,

"And a blonde lady on a bicycle who both played an important part in intercepting the dog and warding him off enabling me to get my two horses out of there with bite marks and emotional trauma.

"We didn't catch either of their names or think to ask for details at the time due to the high levels of stress we were under, now we have reported this incident to the police and are taking it to court, we're looking for independent witnesses to help piece together exactly what happened.

"If you, or you know anyone who may be able to help me then please please do get in touch.

"Thankyou so much in advance for any help at all - please please share this around to anyone and anywhere.”

Injuries to one of the horses during the attack

Police are investigating what happened and say enquiries continue.

A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "We are investigating an allegation of a dog dangerously out of control following in an incident in Wadebridge at around 6:30pm on Thursday 30th June.

"It is alleged that a dog believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier slipped its harness on the Camel Trail and was aggressive towards two horses being ridden in the area; this led to one rider being thrown from the horse and sustaining injuries including broken ribs, the horses also sustained minor injuries.

"All parties have been identified and police enquiries into this incident continue."

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