Staff are thankful Magpie was not more seriously injured

A vet discovered a pellet in an abscess on the animal at the Dartmoor Miniature Pony Centre near Moretonhampstead.

Magpie, a 11-year-old piebald, cob cross and one of the centre's friendly riding ponies, first became ill with the abscess on her thigh in June.

Treatment for the infection over eight weeks made no difference until the pellet was eventually found by vets.

'Unnecessary suffering'

The wound was discovered after staff had moved Magpie and a number of other horses into a field closer to the other ponies at the centre.

Now staff are coming to terms with the possibility that Magpie was shot deliberately.

Centre owner Lisa Ginsberg said: "Everyone here felt absolutely sick when we were told by the vet that Magpie had been shot.

The pellet was not found for eight weeks

"Apparently an incident like this, where the vet doesn't immediately find the pellet, isn't unusual.

"Often, the animal is initially treated for an infection or another condition and it can even take a X-ray before a pellet is discovered.

"We are just thankful Magpie wasn't blinded or more seriously injured. As it is, she's been through days of unnecessary suffering and pain.

Police and RSPCA have been informed of the incident.