There have been more horrific attacks on the animals at Rye’s Undercliff Pony Rescue. Hair has been hacked from all nine of the ponies over two nights, including Tommy the mule who was brutally stabbed in the face last year in a story that made headlines around the world. As well as dealing with traumatized animals, owner Sharon Baker says she is also being targeted by online trolls making unfounded and very personal allegations.
The latest attacks took place in the early hours of Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday, September 27. Tommy had his tail cut during the first assault, along with rescue ponies Kitty and Saskia who had both their tails and manes hacked. The attackers returned the following night taking hair from the rest of the animals, as well as more from the ponies cut the previous night. Whilst there are some CCTV pictures, they don’t identify what are thought to be four assailants. The police have been informed.
Sharon says the attack is unusual but not uncommon. “Horse hair is very expensive and can be used for show ponies and rocking chairs. It’s disgusting that it’s come to this. I’m sick and tired of trying to do the best for my horses, but people just don’t care. How is it fine to do this to animals who’ve already been badly treated and are enjoying a nice life here at the Undercliff?” She’s now appealing for funds to improve security coverage of the centre.
Online accusations about the state of the rescue centre have added to the stress. Sharon says she is being unfairly singled out mainly on Facebook by fake accounts. “The damage these people do is so unfair. My kids have seen it. It’s affecting my health. I’m not sure I can carry on running the centre. It’s left me heartbroken. I’ve given and given and given and I’m now worn out.”
Animal lovers have taken to social media to show support for Sharon and the rescue centre.
