Plea to keep dogs on leads after horse killed in 'heartbreaking' attack
Nellie died following a dog attack in north Cornwall
Last updated 5th Sep 2024
There's calls for people to not let their dogs loose while walking through public fields, after a horse was killed in a violent dog attack in north Cornwall.
Nellie, a horse in Treburrick near Padstow, died after reports of being attacked by two dogs.
A second horse also suffered minor injuries in the 'heartbreaking' incident.
Kim Hayward said: "Nellie was stood in the field, very injured. She had a horrific wound which we tried to clean and realised how bad it was. We had another horse, Wonky Donkey, who was also injured."
Kim added: "A neighbour had told me they had heard a person in the field calling after the dog, but by the time they went to the field they'd gone.
"Nellie went downhill quite rapidly and then the decision was made she wouldn't make a recovery and we made the sad decision to put her to sleep."
It's believed the owners of the dog let their dogs off a lead, despite signs on the gates asking people to keep their pets on leads when walking through the field.
She said: "It was heartbreaking, even the vet was crying, we had hugs. It was heartbreaking to see this lovely, kind and gentle horse put to sleep because somebody couldn't keep their dog on the lead.
"The gates they would have gone through to get in my field very clearly have signs to keep your dog on a lead. There's also signs from the NFU saying about what dogs can do.
"It would be good if all holiday lets, holiday cottages and campsites have a note informing people to keep their dogs on a lead."
Devon and Cornwall Police said: "A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said at the time: "Police were notified following reports of horses being attacked by two dogs at Treburrick near Padstow on the afternoon of Thursday 15 August.
"Two horses were injured, one with minor injuries and the other requiring veterinary treatment. At this time, there are no viable lines of enquiry however if further evidence comes to light the incident can be re-visited.
"Anybody with information should contact police on 101 or via our website quoting 50240209965."