"THIEVES" who forced open feed bins in a Wychbold field have killed a much loved family pony.

Julia Clark said her family had been left broken hearted by the death of her pony Pandora, who was 34 years old and had been in the family for more than 20 years.

"We do not know exactly what happened but the ropes and locks on the feed bin had been cut with a sharp knife and the bin left open.

"Pandora - who was on a strict diet because of her age - ate too much and developed colic and a twisted gut," said Julia, aged 34, who did not want to identify exactly where she lives

"It was several hours before we realised something was wrong and called the vet. By then there was nothing that could be done and in kindness we had to have her put down."

"I do not know what was behind it but suspect it was thieves looking for blankets, horse rugs or tack.

"It's a tragic ending to a much loved pony's life due to someone's thoughtless actions. Possibly the person or persons were looking for rugs or tack, or who knows what to steal, but instead unknowingly they have taken the life of an innocent animal."

She said the only comfort was that there was nothing to suggest it was malicious.

"They obviously had a sharp knife with them but there was nothing to suggest they tried to use it on the pony. I do not believe this was a deliberate attempt to harm her but an attempted theft that ended in tragedy." Julia has called on other owners of horses and ponies to be on their guard, especially as the incident occurred during the day. "There is nothing we can do to bring Pandora back but if we can make people aware and prevent this happening to someone else at least that is something."