"This was an absolutely appalling act of animal cruelty and really now is the time for the assembly to start looking at how they are going to regulate the use of these crossbows.

Part of the bolt used in the attack

"The USPCA regularly has to extract these crossbow bolts from swans, ducks, cats, dogs, and now an unfortunate horse has been hit with one - someone has to do something about these weapons."

The bolt was deeply embedded in the jaw of Willie Gallagher's horse.

'Cruel attack'

Charlie, the five-year old Clydesdale, was grazing above the Creggan estate when he was attacked.

A vet was called to cut the arrow free on Thursday night.

Willie Gallagher: "This was a disgrace"

Charlie's owner said it was a cruel attack.

"This was disgraceful - if it had have been a youngster they would have been dead," said Mr Gallagher.

"His jaw was all busted - it was that far in. It took almost 10 minutes to get it back out again."