THE hunt for thugs who blinded a horse has gathered new impetuous thanks to a local businessman.

A £2,000 reward to catch cruel thugs is being offered by the boss of a Saltburn hotel.

Jim Brennan was shocked and angry when he read about the sickening airgun attack on family pet Chezney.

The former policeman, who owns Rushpool Hall Hotel, said: "I want to see these people in court so we can identify them as the ones who carried out this sickening attack.

"In this area kids are brought up with a love of animals and we need to round up those responsible for this attack."

The 16-year-old's eye was so badly damaged by the pellet it had to be removed following the attack last weekend.

His stablemate Peanut, a tiny Welsh pony, was also injured during the attack on stables at Whitehouse Farm, Carlin How.

Their owner Nicola Garbutt, 41, said: "Whoever did this deliberately aimed at Chezney's eye and it was touch and go at one time whether he would survive.

"There has been a fantastic response from everyone and I want to say a big thank you."

If anyone can help with information, they can contact PC Richy Bailey on 01642 302710.