A Shetland Pony was found stabbed to death in a field in West Lothian.
The animal was discovered behind Roman Camp Cottages in Broxburn on Monday morning.
The traumatised owner has been informed.
A social media appeal from a friend of the family has urged anyone with information to come forward.
It reads: "I can’t even believe what I’m about to type but please help and share so the horrible people who did this can be caught!
"My friend's mum's Shetland pony has been stabbed to death.
"As you can imagine, the whole family are completely distraught."
Police have launched a manhunt for the sick attacker.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "At around 11am on Monday, June 8, a Shetland Pony was found dead in a field behind Roman Camp Cottages, Broxburn.
"The pony had been stabbed and this is believed to have occurred between 9pm on Sunday, 7 June, 2020 and 11 am on Monday, 8 June, 2020.
"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."
