THE RSPCA has issued an urgent appeal for information after a pony named Filbert was found bludgeoned to death and mutilated in Normanton.

The owners of the pony made the terrible discovery on Sunday morning (10 January) and called the West Yorkshire police, who in turn contacted the RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector John Gibson said: “This is a truly appalling incident which took place in an isolated spot off Boundary Lane in Normanton. We think it happened on the night of Saturday 9 January and would urge anyone with information to contact our Appeals Line on 0300 123 8018 or the West Yorkshire Police on 101.  

“We are also warning horse owners in the area to be extra vigilant, given the nasty nature of this crime.

“It is shocking that someone is capable of such deliberate brutality towards a pony and this must have been terribly distressing for Filbert’s owners. Sadly horse mutilation is something which we do come across in our line of work up and down the country.” 

Inspector Sohail Mohammed, of the Wakefield North and Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a sickening attack against a defenceless animal and I would also urge anyone with information about what happened to get in contact – either with the RSPCA or via the Force on 101 – quoting our log number 871 of Sunday 10 January.”