The pet was left with his face and mouth in shreds. His injuries were so bad that Hovis had to be put down.
 |
| Poor little Hovis |
Gary Edmonds, who lives in Chertsey Rise in Stevenage, owned Hovis with his mum Patricia.
He rushed to the field under Digswell viaduct just after 10pm on Monday after being called to the scene by police.
Gary said: “Hovis was in a tragic and distraught state. It was shocking.”
The 20-year-old, who had grown up with the faithful steed, said: “Hovis was well-known and was the last remaining pony from his four siblings.
“He spent his life serving the community teaching small children to ride and partaking in school and community fetes in the Welwyn and Stevenage areas.
“He was loved by all and was a great spirited little pony.
“We’re all broken-hearted to see what has happened to Hovis, knowing that he probably could have carried on to his 40s, if only this tragedy had never occurred.
“If anyone knows anything that could help us it would be greatly appreciated.”
A police spokesman said: “We’re investigating the circumstances of the attack and are currently following up a number of enquiries to trace the owner of the dog.
“If anyone saw anyone in the area at the time of the incident, please contact Pc Ben Satchfield on the non-emergency number 101.”
***NOV 24 UPDATE:
"Shetland pony case dropped by Hertfordshire Police"
AN investigation to find who was responsible for a savage attack on an elderly Shetland pony has been dropped by police.
Hovis was mauled by a dog while in his field under Digswell viaduct on Monday, October 31.
The 33-year-old pony was left with such devastating injuries his owners Gary and Patricia Edmonds had no choice but to put him to sleep.
Through the WHT, the Edmonds’ called for witnesses who may have seen anything to contact officers.
A Herts police spokeswoman said the press appeal had resulted in 10 calls to the team working on the case.
Two people were also called in to help police with their enquires.
However, the cases against both were dropped and the investigation has been concluded with the culprits still at large.
(The Comet - Nov 3, 2011)
