Ponies ‘stolen by 12-year-old schoolgirls’ found abandoned in tin shed

Ponies ‘stolen by 12-year-old schoolgirls’ found abandoned in tin shed

Two ponies, named Zak and Toby, that were reportedly stolen by two schoolgirls and left in a tin shed five miles away, have been recovered by a Scots riding school. The incident took place at Hayfield Riding School in Bonnybridge, where the ponies were taken on Friday night by “a 12-year-old girl and her friend” and later found abandoned in a shed in Hallglen the following day. The ponies were discovered without food or water, as the children had been riding them bareback on a main road without helmets or hi-vis gear.

Hayfield Riding School took to social media to share the alarming incident, revealing that the schoolgirl involved was a former pupil. The school expressed concerns for the safety of both the ponies and the children, stressing the potential dangers of such reckless actions. Fortunately, the ponies were found safe and sound in the abandoned shed in Hallglen, although they were described as sore and tired. The school expressed relief at having them back and tightened security measures by changing gate codes.

The two culprits were identified after their parents, who were “mortified” upon seeing dashcam footage on social media, came forward. Police Scotland confirmed that they would be addressing the matter with those involved. A spokesperson stated that they had received a report about the missing ponies and were conducting inquiries to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behaviour around animals and the potential risks associated with improper handling. Such incidents not only endanger the animals but also put the safety of both the perpetrators and others at risk. It is crucial for individuals, especially young ones, to understand and respect the well-being of animals and the consequences of their actions.

The swift recovery of the ponies and the involvement of the authorities highlight the community’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of animals. By holding those responsible to account, it sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated, protecting both animals and the community at large.