Horses found wandering in country lane after attempted theft from St Albans field

A horse was left with injuries to its legs after someone tried to steal it from a field in St Albans.

It was found wandering in Coopers Green Lane with another pony in the early hours of Thursday February 11.

Herts Police have asked for information and witnesses after the attempted theft of both animals from Oaklands Lane in Smallford between 6pm on Wednesday February 10 and the early hours of the following morning.

A fence was damaged when the would-be thief tried to gain access to the brown and white horse and beige coloured miniature Shetland palomino.

One of the animals suffered cuts to its legs and had to receive veterinary treatment.

PC Mark Smith, investigating, said the risk of theft and other offences at yards and horse fields is ‘relatively low’ but he urged owners to consider crime prevention advice, including the following:

• Freeze marking - the horse is permanently marked on the saddle patch or shoulder with a unique number and registration papers issued to the owner

• Hoof branding - farriers can brand your postcode onto horses’ hooves

• Microchipping

• Horse passports

• Improve stable yard security by keeping hedges, gates and fences in good repair

• Refrain from leaving head collars and lead ropes in fields that thieves can use to remove horses

• Display signs warning thieves that your tack and horses are security marked

If anyone has information in relation to the attempted theft, please phone the police on 101.