Reward offered after pets perish in stable fire (From The Northern Echo)

Reward offered after pets perish in stable fire

11:23am Wednesday 27th February 2008 in

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A BUSINESSWOMAN is putting up a substantial reward for information in connection with a fire in which three horses and a donkey died.

Arsonists struck at the Willis family home in Low Westwood, near Shotley Bridge, County Durham, in the early hours of January 24. The blaze tore through a pigeon cree and stables.

About 30 birds, two horses and a donkey died in the fire at Derwentside House, while four horses were taken to a vet suffering from smoke inhalation and burns - one of which died two days later.

Animal-lover Margaret Avery was so upset by the crime, she has pledged a £5,000 cash sum in return for information, leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Mrs Avery, who along with her daughter, Holly, runs Carpet Mart Warehouse, in nearby Consett, said: "I got a real shock when I saw the report on television and saw the horses running around with scars on their back.

I felt so sad that someone could do such a thing.

"Nothing should have to go through that pain and suffering.

"I feel very strongly that those responsible should be brought to justice and hope the cash offer will encourage someone to come forward and give the police the breakthrough they need."

Avril Willis said: "I am really grateful to Mrs Avery for putting up the award. Somebody may know who did it."

She said the horses were still recovering.

Mrs Willis said: "One of the horses, Gabby, is a riding horse, but I don't think she'll ever be able to ride again because of the injuries to her back.

"She is going to have to spend the rest of her life in a field - not doing what she enjoyed doing."

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Consett CID on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800-555-111. Callers to Crimestoppers may also qualify for a separate cash reward.