The owner of a pony that was brutally attacked in her field and left to die has said she is “hopeful” an update from the police will come this week.
Blaze, an 18-year old horse, was grazing near New Pitsligo when she was stabbed twice in the chest last Sunday.
Owner Zoe Wright found the retired show jumper lying on her side and bleeding from her rear the following evening.
The 30-year-old Wright, of Maud, said that because of her beloved pet’s internal bleeding there was no alternative but to put her to sleep.
She has since offered a reward for any information that leads to the conviction of the people who attacked her beloved horse, and has appealed for members of the public to contact the police.
Last night, she said she was expecting an update sometime this week about the police’s investigation.
“I’ve not heard anything yet, but I’m hoping to get an update as soon as tomorrow,” she said.
“There’s been a few people telling me that I should start a JustGiving page to raise the reward, and that is something I’m
thinking about.”
After Blaze’s story appeared in the Press and Journal, horrified animal lovers also began offering their own money to help find the culprits.
An Inverness woman has now joined the campaign and is petitioning the Scottish Government to bring in harsher punishments for those caught mutilating horses.
Maria Lynagh-Verrechia’s call for reform has already been signed by about 800 people since going online on Friday.
She wants animals to have greater protection and rights in Scottish courts.
“The devastating trauma and permanent scars caused to the owners and to those who learn of such heinous crimes should and must be taken into account by judges,” she said.
“Animal rights may never be put on a par with human rights, but the resulting pain and loss suffered from this level of cruelty remains very human and should be measured on that fact at the very least.”
Calling for a review to enforce heavier sentences on people found guilty of animal mutilation, she added that Blaze’s attackers – if caught – would likely be fined and jailed for no more than one year if taken to court.