£1,000 reward offered amid police probe after horse 'sexually violated'

The owner of a horse which was stabbed and "sexually violated" in a field is urging people to help police catch whoever did it.

The "beautiful" female horse, named Blaze, had to be put down following the attack in the New Pitsligo area of Aberdeenshire overnight on Sunday.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Owner Zoe Wright is offering a £1,000 reward to anyone who provides information that results in an arrest.

She described the incident in a Facebook post which has been shared more than 10,400 times.

She wrote: "On the 16th / 17th of August between the hours of 9pm and 6am someone came into my horse's field and stabbed my beautiful old girl Blaze twice in the chest before sexually violating her.

"Blaze was put to sleep after succumbing to her injuries.

"My lovely Blaze was the nicest pony, she has been part of our family for 18 years, the complete low-life scum who did this to her needs to face justice for what they have done."

She also urged other horse owners in the area to check their animals and look out for any suspicious cuts.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We have had a report of an injured horse in the New Pitsligo area and inquiries are ongoing into the incident.

"Anyone with information should get in touch."