VIDEO: Sick attackers shoot ‘defenceless’ pony

Peter Dean with his wife's pony which was shot in the chest with a crossbow bolt

Paul Dean, 60, found his pony, Chaz, bleeding heavily last Wednesday, at land near Newcote Farm, in Kingston Lane, East Preston, after it was shot in an attack police branded as ‘senseless’.

Vets fought for three hours to save the three-year-old Welsh mountain pony after the arrow penetrated nine inches deep into its chest, narrowly missing the heart.

It is believed the bolt was fired from close range.

Mr Dean, of Ferndale Walk, Angmering, said it had been ‘touch and go’ whether Chaz would survive.

He said: “The vet didn’t think Chaz would make it. Chaz started bleeding really heavily when the vet pulled the crossbow bolt out and went into shock. They needed to pump five litres of fluids into him.”

The pony was bought by Mr Dean as a 43rd wedding anniversary present for his wife, Carole.

The attack followed days after their beloved 37-year-old mare, Donna – who had been with the family for about 30 years – died.

“It’s been a horrible few days for the entire family,” said Mr Dean. “We love our animals deeply, they’re like family to us.

Chaz is now recovering, though Mr Dean is worried about the effects the ordeal might have on the pony’s personality.

He also condemned the animal’s attacker.

He added: “Any person who could do such a thing must be sick in the head. We’re still scared of this happening again, as the culprit is still on the loose.

“We don’t know what sort of person could do something like this. We love our animals and this has really had a huge impact on our lives.”

Police are now appealing for information about the shooting, which took place between 3pm and 5.45pm.

Sergeant Anna Gent, of the Arun neighbourhood policing team, said: “This was an extremely unpleasant attack on a defenceless pony which could have proved fatal. The pony suffered deep shock.”

Anyone with information about what happened should phone Sussex Police on 101, quoting 1543 of 23/10, or email [email protected]

Alternatively, call independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.