Police investigation continues into brutal killing of Bobby the pony

At 8pm on Thursday, November 3, police received a report of a dead pony in Cleadon Lane.

Officers attended and found that the horse, a Shetland pony named Bobby, had suffered multiple injuries.

The animal was found with his genitals and bottom lip hacked off, stomach slashed and his mane cut off.

Owner Wendy Redpath, from South Shields, has been left stunned at the horrendous torture measured out on Bobby, her 12-year-old rescue pony, who she described as being “very friendly” and “loving”.

“Whoever has done this needs to be taken off the streets," she said.

"If they can do this to a defenceless horse, what could they do to a child? It doesn’t bear thinking about - it’s pure evil.

“I’m devastated. I’m trying to keep myself together the best I can.”

Police believe the incident to be a deliberate attack and are carrying out enquiries.

Neighbourhood Inspector John Smith said: "Understandably Bobby's owner is absolutely heartbroken, the nature of his injuries are truly horrific and it is sickening to think this was a deliberate attack.

"We are working closely with the RSPCA and I would ask anyone who has any information that can help us with our enquiries to contact us.

"If anyone was in Cleadon Lane on Thursday evening and saw anything that seemed out of the ordinary or suspicious we want to hear from them."

Anyone with information can contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1050 031116 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.