Advertisement

Shetland Pony That Kept Escaping Has Been Put Down

A Shetland pony that became something of a legend after it led police on a few hilarious chases has finally been captured - and PUT DOWN.

The pony, dubbed the Shetland Shergar, became something of a celebrity when video footage of it showed him running around the streets of Sussex after escaping.

Police were forced to try and catch up with him in two bizarre car chases and the videos quickly went viral.

But after escaping one too many times, the cute pony ran away from police and straight into a slurry pit in Charlwood, Surrey.

The animal inhaled the contents of the pit and vets made the painful decision to put the animal down to prevent him from a distressing death.

image

Great escape: Police chased the pony through the streets of Sussex (SWNS)

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “A chestnut Shetland pony was reported running loose on Jan 28 at 11.50am in Partridge Lane, Newdigate.

"A further call was received shortly afterwards reporting that the pony was in Charlwood.

"Officers were sent to the scene to recover the pony but it was extremely distressed and could not be handled. The pony ran off and unfortunately fell into a nearby slurry pit.

"A vet was called and the pony was humanely destroyed and disposed of under the vet’s advice.

"This was done to prevent it from enduring a distressing death from inhaling the slurry.”

Police added that the pony’s owner had yet to come forward and no animals matching its description had been reported.

image

Distressing: The animal was put down to prevent it suffering (SWNS)

Rashaf Rameez, who originally posted the video of the reckless pony, said: "Oh no, I am so sad to hear of his death.

"He went viral, after making it that famous he would have got a new home.

"I would have taken him in.

"I have a little back garden and he probably would have escaped, but we could have found him a home.

"I am sad.”

We all are, Rashaf, we all are.