Cruel thieves steal Shetland pony

By Ed Cullinane and Jason Hughes via SWNS

Police are investigating after cruel thieves stole a beloved - Shetland pony.

Maisey - just 31 inches (78cm) tall - disappeared from her paddock in Wiltshire, England, last Tuesday, July 11.

Her devastated owners Becky Sainsbury, 22, and her boyfriend's mother Alisson Wood, have been left 'distraught.'

Wiltshire Police say they are investigating the theft and have urged members of the public with any information to come forward.

Maisey, aged 16, is brown and white in colour with distinctive rings around her hooves due to laminitis.

Becky, who has posted a public appeal on social media for help tracking down Maisey, said that the theft had been like a "nightmare."

She said: “You see these types of things on Facebook, but you never imagine it’s going to happen to yours.

“Maisey is definitely a part of the family and she’s the companion for another horse who is very distressed because she’s all she’s ever known.

“I can imagine Maisey is in a lot of distress so it’s really sad somebody would do that, we’re very worried.”

The family believe Maisey was led over a stone wall, round the back of the field, and loaded into a vehicle, based on the hoof and tyre marks left at the scene.

They are desperately appealing for help in their search to bring her home.

Her owners added she is very vocal and will respond if her name is called.

Their concern has been increased by the fact Maisey is currently on a special diet due to laminitis and could be put at risk if she is not properly cared for.

Becky added: “She has to be managed properly which hugely adds to our worry.

“Maisey is prone to colic when she is stressed and if she isn’t seen by a vet, unfortunately, she will pass away or be in a lot of pain.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We have received a report that a 16-year-old brown and white Shetland pony was stolen from a field in Upper Castle Combe between 8 pm on July 11 and 2 pm on July 12.

“Enquiries are ongoing."