Burnley equine charity issues urgent appeal after pony 'stolen' from field

Lottie has not been seen since last week

The Horses and Ponies Protection Association, located in Briercliffe, believes thieves have stolen pony Lottie who had been living at a 'forever home' in Wigan.

Lottie, a 12.2hh Bright Bay Welsh-type mare, went missing from her field in Hemfield Road, Wigan, on Thursday, June 4th, during daylight hours.

Equine inspector Tracy Heaton said: “Lottie was grazing with her field companions and is the only one who has gone missing.

"It appears that the fence has been cut and then shoddily put back in place. As you can imagine this has left her family distraught and her equine companions are missing her too.”

Lottie’s disappearance has been logged with Greater Manchester Police – crime reference number CRI/06LL/0012989/20 log number 2544/0406 – and across a number of social media accounts.

HAPPA is also appealing to veterinary practices and other equine practitioners to keep their eyes peeled for a pony matching Lottie’s description.

Amanda Berry, Head of Equine Operations, concludes “This is a very distressing situation both for the charity and Lottie’s Forever Home.

"We cannot comprehend how someone would deliberately target and remove a pony from its home. What is more distressing is Lottie is a rescue animal who hadn’t had the best start in life and has a number of vices, which would make it very difficult to settle just anywhere.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows of her whereabouts, or anyone who is offered this pony to get in contact with us or the police immediately. Let’s get Lottie back home!”

YAnybody with information can contact HAPPA on 01282 455992 or equine inspector Tracy Capper on 07736040978.