Pony was set alight in ‘barbaric act of cruelty’

THE ISPCA has appealed for help following a barbaric attack in which a pony was set alight.

Experts believe an accelerant was poured on the animal’s back before it was torched over the Halloween weekend.

It was several days before the severely injured animal was discovered in a field in the Fairhill area of Cork’s northside.

ISCPA inspector Lisa O’Donovan said it is one of the most shocking cases of animal cruelty she has encountered.

“The torture he endured during this mindless act of cruelty is beyond comprehension,” she said. “To think of the suffering he endured, and yet he was such a calm gentle animal while we were working to save him.

“It’s a barbaric act of cruelty and shocking to say that such things are going on in what we perceive to be a civilised society.”

Ms O’Donovan had responded to an urgent call about the horse and found the tethered yearling colt in a green area behind a terrace of houses with serious injuries to its lower back. The skin was severely infected, with oozing pus and a very heavy maggot infestation.

She called gardaí and a vet, who confirmed that the injuries were caused by burning, and that the animal, which has now been named ‘Bert’, was likely doused in a flammable substance before being set alight.

“If Bert had not been rescued, he would have suffered a long and painful death,” Ms O’Donovan said.

“We are very hopeful that he will recover, but it will be a long road.”

She appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Fairhill or North Monastery areas of Cork around Halloween weekend to contact gardaí, or the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515.