The police are investigating after two Shetland ponies were brutally attacked and killed in the Auckland suburb of Māngere Bridge.
Some locals say they are heartbroken by the loss of the ponies, Meg and Duke, sharing memories and photos on social media.
Maurice Johnson was one of the people who found the horses this morning.
He says it looked like the animals were mauled and described the injuries as jagged.
Amy Tapueluelu lives near the paddock and used to visit the ponies every day during runs around the Māngere Lagoon. “We are completely devastated.”
Tapueluelu says the pony Meg was attacked by a dog late last year, suffering bite marks on her neck and scratches on her side.
She says both horses were moved into another paddock with larger horses for protection but were recently moved to the paddock they were found killed in.
A resident online said, “RIP Meg and Duke. Thanks for giving our kids the best welcome every time we came to visit you. What a tragic end to your life.”
It is not yet clear whether the horses were mauled by dogs and the police and Animal Management staff are investigating.
This story was by Te Rito - Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
