Appeals as pony and sheep shot in Denbighshire
Animal charity, the RSPCA is appealing for help after two separate incidents in which animals were shot and killed in Denbighshire.
In the first incident, a pet Shetland pony died after being shot with a firearm while in a field near the town of Ruthin.
In the second case near Corwen, nine sheep - mostly lambs - died after being shot with air gun pellets.
Investigators say they do not believe the incidents are related.
However, RSPCA Insp Fred Armstrong described the killings as upsetting examples of animal cruelty.
"In both cases, it seems incredibly sad that people would want to target such helpless creatures," he stated.
"The Shetland pony was a much loved pet - the family are very upset. It was very placid and reliable and used to take little children around the farm in a little cart on open days and things like that.
"The farmer is also very upset about the sheep - most of them were only little lambs."
The body of the pony was discovered in a field between Bryneglwys and Llanelidan near Ruthin on 17 August.
A vet later confirmed that the animal had been shot with a firearm, however, officers have been unable to specify what type of weapon was used.
Three other horses and a donkey were also in the field but they were unharmed.
"This is a remote area but it's vital that we gain further information about this incident," added Insp Armstrong.
In the sheep killing incident, the carcasses of nine animals were found over a 10 day period at Ty Mawr, Carrog.
The RSPCA said most of the sheep had been lambs, and all had been shot with air gun pellets.
"These animals suffered long and lingering deaths, over several days," said the RSPCA inspector.
"This is animal cruelty of a malicious and premeditated nature and it's vital that we find the perpetrator as soon as possible."
Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to ring the RSPCA on 03001234999.