FOOTPATHS closed after a stallion killed a family's pet dog have been reopened after the horse was removed.

Two unfenced paths running across private land in Stour-port were shut by Worcester-shire County Council after people were concened for the safety of children and pets following the dog's death.

Evergreen Way residents Mick and Angela Randle were the owners of 13-year-old border collie Bonnie which was attacked by the stallion as their son walked the dog in the field, off Manor Road, on April 23. Mr Randle said: "Bonnie was next to him off the lead and the stallion went for the dog and reared up and smashed her skull with his hooves. The dog was seriously injured and died hours after the attack.

"Had I known this horse was dangerous I'd have made sure we hadn't walked the dog in the field. As a dog owner, it's my responsibility my dog doesn't do anything it shouldn't and if I go through a field of horses I expect the same from their owner."

Local people contacted both the police and RSPCA who were unable to help but, after alerting the county council's countryside department to the danger, enforcement officers arrived on Tuesday, May 1, closing the paths and putting up signs warning people of the risk. The following day, the stallion, three mares and two foals kept in the field were removed.