THIEF ‘ FLOGS’ STOLEN HORSE
POLICE are investigating the bizarre theft of a horse from a Townsville property.
Six- year- old Sally was taken from Linda Webb’s Wulguru home after she went on a holiday to Airlie Beach on Sunday.
The horse, belonging to Mrs Webb’s 17- year- old daughter Maddison, was stable- bound because of a bad leg injury and was on strict vet instructions not to be ridden.
Mrs Webb became aware Sally was missing when her sister rang on Monday night.
She immediately returned home and checked a neighbour’s CCTV video.
The footage showed a stranger approaching her house, patting her dogs, walking up the ramp to her veranda and disappearing from view behind her home.
The footage then showed the man coming out of the property about 15 minutes later leading Sally by a halter.
Mrs Webb said the man took the horse to a property up the street and apparently “flogged” her because she would not go fast enough.
Mrs Webb’s sister later found the horse on the property and brought her home.
Maddison said she had been left distressed by the theft and mistreatment of her horse.
“There are no words to describe having your horse taken from you and treated in such a inhumane way,” she said. “Sally didn’t deserve to be treated this way.”
Mrs Webb said she was astounded someone could walk on to a property and steal a horse.
“The CCTV footage shows the man stop and looks at her sore leg,” she said.
“He acknowledged it but continued to trot her up the road which she’s not supposed to do.
“We’re outraged and absolutely mortified.
“She was dripping with sweat because he’d ridden her so much. No one deserves to be treated like that.”
Mrs Webb said she intends to press charges for trespassing, animal cruelty and stealing a horse.
Police confirmed a complaint had been made via Policelink and the allegations were being investigated.