Horse injured in crossbow attack at Felbridge
A horse has been shot with a crossbow and injured in an attack in Surrey.
Surrey Police said that the 18-year-old mare had suffered two wounds and significant distress in the incident in a field in Felbridge.
A 15-inch crossbow bolt with a metal tip was later found in the field, officers said.
Police have only just released details of the attack which happened last Tuesday morning.
Police have urged horse owners and the rural community to be extra vigilant.
Pc Paul Clifton said: "This was a deliberate and shocking act of animal cruelty and one which has caused great distress to both the horse and the owner."
He said there were a number of regulations in force over the ownership and possession of a crossbow particularly for people under 18.
He added: "Do you know someone who may have been in the area at the time who owns a crossbow or has use of one?
"Perhaps someone has bragged to you about targeting horses in such a way?"
Details of the incident have been circulated via the rural anti-crime initiatives Countrywatch and Horse Watch.