Police have appealed for witnesses and information after a horse suffered a “wicked attack” that left it with an arrow in its head.
Widget, a white and brown Cob-type yearling colt, is being treated at the Royal Veterinary College and is expected to survive despite its severe injury. A longbow arrow was still embedded in the wound when the horse was discovered on Saturday in a field in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Mel Fisher said: “It seems this poor boy has had a very lucky escape. The longbow bolt has gone through his eye socket and into his nasal cavity, miraculously without hitting anything vital. It’s hoped he won’t lose his eye but it’s too early to know for sure. This was a wicked attack on a friendly and sociable little chap.”
The horse is expected to keep its eye but it is unclear whether the injury will affect its sight.
Investigating officer DS Dan Stoddart from the Three Rivers local crime unit said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the field yesterday (Saturday) around 7pm or before then and saw anyone acting suspiciously to please get in contact.
“This appears to be senseless, cruel crime and we are doing all we can to find the person responsible. If you saw anyone acting suspiciously around the field yesterday we would like to hear from you as soon as possible.”
The owner of the yard where the horse was kept has offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Hannah Dorsett, Widget’s owner said: “The team at the Royal Veterinary College is taking fantastic care of Widget, and is very hopeful that he won’t lose his eye, which is amazing. At the moment, they are taking all precautions to make sure the wound doesn’t get infected or cause an abscess.”
Dorsett said she might be able to take her horse home at the end of the week.
“I am so proud of my lovely little horse. He is so calm and has taken this awful incident in his stride. I visited Widget yesterday and am pleased to say he is very bright and alert and was enjoying plenty of carrots as a treat. I have been overwhelmed by the support from people on social media.”
