Sadist stabs eyes of ponies in Doncaster paddock

One of the animals has been left blind and both are now said to be terrified of people.

The attack happened on an allotment site in Doncaster.

Claire Featherstone, 46, owner of three-year-old Molly, one of the ponies, is said to be ‘distraught’.

Her sister Rebecca Hibbard, said: “It’s not something a kid would do, this is somebody who’s off their head. We’re all just completely shocked.

“We cant believe someone would do something like this. It’s not nice to think there are people walking around who would do such a thing.”

Ms Hibbard added: “We’re having to move them somewhere safer. The equine vet has been out and says Molly’s eye is so badly swollen he can’t tell whether she will still be able to see or not.

“The vet had to sedate both of them before he could examine their eyes because they were so distressed. Now they wont let anyone touch them and it’s going to take my sister and I a long time to work closely with them before we can ride them again.”

Friends of the sisters have been bringing the ponies treats, but the animals have shied away from any human contact because of what has happened.

Ms Hibbard said the area round the paddock would have been quiet during the time of the attack, last Wednesday, between 9am and 3pm.

South Yorkshire Police is investigating the attack.

A force spokesman said: “Police received a report on Wednesday, March 19, of two horses being attacked at allotments on Barnsley Road, Moorends.

“Officers are investigating the incident and would ask anyone with information to please contact the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”