A miniature pony named Star has died after suffering 41 stab wounds during a 'sickening' night-time attack.
The 10-year-old pony had escaped his paddock in Waitati, New Zealand, and was found by a dog-walker whinnying in pain.
Otago Equine Hospital
He was rushed to the vet on Monday where he underwent surgery for five hours, before sadly passing away Tuesday morning.
Horrifically, some of Star's 41 stab wounds were 100m deep, but a smaller wound had perforated his bowel, killing him.
It is clear the wounds were the handiwork of a sharp knife.
Otago Equine Hospital veterinarian Peter Gillespie said it was the most abhorrent acts of animal cruelty he had encountered in his 39-year career.
'I could see he had multiple lacerations on both sides of its neck and all over his back. It was in shock and had lost quite a bit of blood,' he told Stuff.
Otago Equine Hospital
Star's owner Mandy Mayhem-Bullock told Otago Daily Times she was 'so angry'.
'A f***** lunatic with a knife is in our community and killed a little baby horse,' she said.
Ms Mayhem-Bullock said she has taken her young son and daughter out of school to break the news.
An investigation into Star's death is ongoing and the perpetrator is yet to be caught.
Police have asked anyone with information contact their local police station or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
