Arrest after reports of ‘ponies tied to van’ (From The Northern Echo)

Arrest after reports of ‘ponies tied to van’

9:43am Tuesday 4th May 2010 in Animal Watch

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after reports of a man driving a van with two ponies tethered to the back yesterday morning.

A number of motorists called police after seeing a flatbed white van driving at speed with two black and white piebald ponies tied to the back with rope. It is reported that one of the ponies collapsed.

One of the ponies was left with visible injuries to its legs while the other is believed to be malnourished.

Both animals have been taken to an unknown location by RSPCA officers.

The incident happened at about 11.15am, in Whessoe Road, Darlington, near the B&Q store.

A 58-year-old man, from the Darlington area, was arrested in connection with the incident.

Police received six separate calls to report the incident.

Inspector Paul Etherington, of Darlington police, said: “Obviously, it has been distressing for the people who have seen it. Both ponies have been taken by police and handed over to the RSPCA.”

The inquiry has been handed over to the RSPCA.