A teacher allegedly filmed hitting and kicking a horse has been suspended following a large public backlash, it has been reported.
Sarah Moulds, 37, was filmed apparently kicking and punching a distressed horse in the street.
A clip shared on social media by anti-hunting campaign group Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs shows her being aggressive towards the animal after it ran into a road.
The footage quickly caused outrage on social media, with people calling on the RSPCA - the largest animal welfare charity in the UK - to launch an investigation.
It was reported that Ms Moulds was a teacher who worked at Somerby Primary School and is also a director of the Knossington & Somerby Pre-School in Leicestershire.
The mum has now gone into hiding following threats against her life, The Sun reports.
A neighbour and fellow rider in her home village near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, told Sun Online: “She’s had to go away after receiving death threats and loads of vile abuse.
"It’s awful and has got very much out of hand. She fears for her life.”
They added that Ms Moulds was worried about her young children as well as herself.
She has also been suspended from her job as the RSPCA probe the allegations made against her, it has been reported.
The RSPCA did not confirm the identity of the hunt rider but said in a statement: "This footage is really upsetting.
"We will always look into complaints made to us about animal welfare. We would urge anyone with first hand information about this incident to contact us on 0300 123 4999."
An RSPCA card left on the door to her house read “Please get in contact ASAP", the Sun reported.
A statement released this evening from Mowbray Education Trust confirmed that a member of staff had been suspended.
In a video of the incident, filmed on Saturday afternoon, a woman can be seen kicking the pony in the chest and then striking it repeatedly around the face.
The Daily Star reports that Moulds was listed as a team manager for the local Cottesmore Pony Club but has since been removed from the website following the allegations.
The Pony Club has now confirmed that Moulds was never a member and has been removed from her voluntary position.
A spokesperson for the Pony Club said: "We are aware of the video circulating showing unacceptable treatment of a pony and we wholeheartedly condemn this behaviour.
"The welfare of horses and ponies is of the utmost importance to The Pony Club, therefore the lady in question has been removed from her voluntary position as a team organiser for a branch.
"The Pony Club is a youth membership organisation and as such, she is not a member of The Pony Club."
