Pony found mutilated on Dartmoor in possible 'ritualistic' killing

A two-month-old pony has been found dead on Dartmoor. Police say the body shows signs of deliberate mutilation.

The pony was discovered on moorland at Yennadon Down, Dousland, Yelverton near Plymouth at around 6.50pm on Tuesday 23 July.

Police report that the pony appears to have been deliberately mutilated and officers are investigating the possibility that the body had been left in some kind of ritualistic way.

Inspector Andy Oliver from West Devon Police said “This was a particularly nasty and distressing incident. Someone will know who is responsible.

"This behaviour is bizarre and of concern and I would ask anyone with information concerning the incident to contact the police.”

There have been three other reports of similar attacks on horses/ponies across the Devon and Cornwall police area in the last 12 months. Officers will be working closely with partner agencies, in particular the RSPCA, Dartmoor Livestock Protection Officer and South West Equine Protection to investigate this offence.

Anyone who was in the area of Iron Mine Lane between Sunday and Tuesday evening or who has any information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 918 of 23/07/13 or Crimsteoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.