An owner whose horse died as a result of injuries sustained during a dog attack in his field last year has called upon more equestrians to back the petition requesting the Dangerous Dogs Act is updated to specifically protect horses.

Katie Smart’s Appaloosa George was killed last June after fleeing a loose dog who was chasing him in his field and colliding with a fence.

“It [George’s death] was caused by the ignorance of a dog owner who didn’t see the need to keep their dog on a lead while camping near our stables,” said Katie.

“The dog was spotted three times in the stable paddocks chasing some of the horses. The owner was asked to put it safely on a lead. We thought that they had, but the dog must have got free again and shortly afterwards we heard a commotion in our bottom field, where George lived and the now loose dog was chasing him.

“He ran, as most horses would due to their strong flight reaction, but sadly he got too close to the paddock fence, skidded and rolled through it, causing severe damage to his front offside tendons.”

George was referred to Pool House Equine Hospital. However, his chances of surviving the surgery were slim, and the road to recovery long and fraught with the risk of infection and complications.

Katie had to consider that he would never be the same horse again even if he did survive, possibly having to live as a retired field ornament, and made the difficult decision to have him put to sleep.

“Our lives will always be better for having known Sir George, but we couldn’t help feeling that he had many years stolen from him. Life will never quite be the same without him,” added Katie.

Dog owner charged

Katie contacted the police, and as a result the dog owner was charged and they issued an apology alongside settling the couple’s court claim for compensation.

“It’s a small piece of justice, but it may give other owners hope if they need to take action following dog attacks,” said Katie. “I also found that the BHS offered amazing support when we needed it, giving advice and helping us to navigate the legislation.

“With dog attacks on the rise, and perhaps the law not that clear to horse owners, it’s important that they know what they should do following a dog attack.”

Another pony also lost his life as the result of a loose dog last month, further thrusting the subject into the spotlight.

Loki had to be euthanised after breaking all four of his legs when he was hit by a car in West Yorkshire. The nine-year-old dapple palomino had been spooked by a loose dog while out hacking in Lofthouse Colliery Nature Park and bucked his 17-year-old rider off before bolting on to the A road. 

The petition, which was set up by Victoria Privett, had received 15,000 signatures today (Wednesday 12 February). It requires 100,000 signatures before it will be considered for debate in Parliament. You can sign the petition here

“We want to people to understand the importance of keeping dogs under control. We want to bring about a law surrounding leashing your dog when around livestock and horses. It’s about educating people and keeping everyone safe including the dogs and owners,” said Katie.

 “Sadly, there is little protection or accountability for such attacks and that needs to change. I lost George due to ignorance of a dog owner and in an incident that could have been avoided.”

View and sign the petition here.

Image (c) Katie Smart.

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