Shetland Pony Injured by Suspected BB Gun at Petting Farm

“He might not come through this” – the owner of a pony shot in the leg at a petting farm has stated, as she and her family are anxiously awaiting the animal’s recovery. Phoenix, a four-year-old Shetland pony residing at Nick’s Farm near Bournemouth, was discovered on Saturday in his field, unable to properly bear weight on one of his legs. His owners, Lucy and Kieran Loder, moved him to a stable, where a veterinarian identified a pellet-sized puncture in his left hind leg. Subsequent X-rays confirmed the leg was also fractured. It is believed he was deliberately shot, with a suspected BB gun. Ms Loder commented that Phoenix, accustomed to being brushed and receiving attention at the farm, which caters to children with special educational needs, would likely have approached his assailant anticipating affection. She described Phoenix, noting he is “fluffy like a teddy bear” and approximately the size of a Great Dane dog, as being “in a lot of pain with his leg swollen so much he can’t move it.” The pony is currently receiving antibiotics and painkillers. Ms Loder stated they are waiting anxiously to determine if the medication will be effective “and if the vet thinks he can save him.” Farmer Kieran Loder indicated that Phoenix was “very distressed” and that achieving recovery would be a “long process.” He added, “Unfortunately he’s got to stay in the stable for 10 days to have more X-rays, to figure out if it’s going to heal.” He further commented, “It’s awful for a pony that doesn’t hurt anybody, he’s one of our family pets.” He concluded by stating, “If we cannot get him right, I’ve got to explain to my children that I’ve got to do the right thing and he’s going to have to be put to sleep. “We put our heart and soul into all our animals and for somebody to jeopardise what we’re doing, it’s so upsetting.” Dorset Police confirmed that officers from its Rural Crime Team have initiated an investigation. The police force reported that the pony was “possibly shot in the leg with a BB gun” at the farm located on Valley Road, Bournemouth, sometime between 18:00 on 1 November and 08:00 on 2 November. Individuals possessing relevant information are encouraged to contact the force. BBC Dorset can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC states it is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.