THE owner of a pony which suffered severe internal injuries in a brutal attack says she is sickened and appalled by the incident.

It happened in a field in the Preston area, near Canterbury, where Christine Fenton found 15-year-old mare Folly in a distressed condition.

The vet who treated the pony found she had been injured by someone inserting a sharp implement inside her.

Mrs Fenton, a foster carer who lives in the village, said: "I cannot understand why someone would do such a terrible thing. Whoever has done something like that must be mentally disturbed.

"We have just got to rebuild her confidence and trust again."

Vet Megan Young, of the Windmill Equine Clinic at Herne Bay, said: "It was a horrendous attack and caused the poor animal a deep laceration which became infected."

Police are now investigating the attack which happened during the afternoon of Sunday, July 15. Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Mick Jones on 01304 240055.