Animal cruelty investigation launched after Shetland Pony forced to drag men in wheelie bin
An animal cruelty investigation has been launched after a Shetlandpony was seen dragging two men in a wheelie bin in hot weather.
The vulnerable animal was subjected to long walks in Winsford andMiddlewich and was even tied up as people posed for pictures,according to eye-witnesses.
The pony was seen several times by residents in the area.
One resident, called Kate, said she was saddened to see 'two grown menbeing pulled around Winsford in a wheelie bin by a tiny pony'.She told Cheshire Live: "I saw two men sat in the makeshift trap beingpulled along by the tiny pony.
"They were drinking alcohol and had stopped in the road holding alltraffic up whilst a couple were having their pictures taken with theguys.
"They were acting and being treated like local celebrities. I couldn'tbelieve it, I was in total shock that anybody thought this wasacceptable let alone posing for pictures."
Kate said she saw the incident on Monday June 1 at around 11.30am.
"I couldn't stop thinking about the poor horse," she explained."It appears that throughout the day the poor horse had suffered abusefor most of the day, being used as a method of transportation inincredible heat."
A Cheshire police spokesperson said: "Following enquiries, officerslocated the animal on Booth Lane, Middlewich, at around 5.30pm and a25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty,possession of a class B drug and endangering other road users."He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
"The pony has been collected by the RSPCA and taken to a rescue centre."An RSPCA spokesperson said: "We are aware of an incident involving aShetland pony in Middlewich and ask anyone with video footage or anyinformation about this to contact us on 0300 1234 999."The horse is currently in the care of the RSPCA.”
Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to callCheshire police on 101 quoting IML 719645 or pass on via theirwebsite.