AN ANIMAL rescue worker is appealing for witnesses after her ponies had their tails hacked off by yobs.

Elizabeth Sarmiento said they sneaked on to her property in Ellesmere Port between 2.30pm on Thursday and 11.30am on Friday to carry out the attack.

She explained: “They came on to my land and hacked of three horses’ tails to the dock and, on one pony, had completely hacked of her forlock mane and tail.

“How can anyone do such a cruel act as this?

“All these horses I had rescued after they had suffered years of abuse and neglect, only for them to be abused again at the hands of such callous people.

“It will take years for the tails and mane to grow back, and now the horses are left with no protection from the winter months ahead. They also need the tails in the summer to protect them from flies.”

She added: “Someone must know who has done this despicable act.

“To all horse lovers, I say be on the look out as the people who have done this must have knowledge of horses.

“I have offered a reward for any information leading to the conviction of the persons who did this.

“Please contact Ellesmere Port police station if you have any information regarding this.”