A YOUNG pony was found dead and mutilated on moorland at Dousland last week, in what police are saying could be a ritualistic killing.

The two-month-old pony was found at Yennadon Down, Dousland at around 6.50pm on Tuesday, July 23.

The pony appears to have been deliberately mutilated and officers are investigating the possibility that the body had been left in some kind of ritualistic way.

A welfare assistant from South West Equine Protection (SWEP) attended the incident and found that pony had had the top of one of its ears cut off, its male genitals, anus and eyes been cut out, the tongue pulled out of its mouth and its stomach split open.

Jenny Thornton, welfare assistant at SWEP, said: 'The cuts were clean as if done with a sharp pair of scissors or a knife. The wounds did not look as if they had been inflicted by an animal.

'The foal was relatively clean and there was no evidence of excessive blood spill, claw marks, gun shot or puncture wounds.

'There were lines of white paint coming from the foal's neck and legs and possible scorch marks in the grass around the body.'

Ms Thornton said that SWEP has heard of ritualistic killings of foals and sheep taking place on Dartmoor during certain phases of the moon, but have not seen any evidence of this until possibly now.

'We are aware that the previous evening a celestial event known as a super moon or stag moon took place.

'This is when the full moon coincides with the new moon and is closest to the earth, resulting in the moon appearing larger.

'We do not know if the desecration and mutilation of this foal took place when he was alive or once he was dead or how many people were involved.

'Either way it is criminal damage as the foul was owned by someone.

'If the foal was still alive and not properly sedated, these actions would have caused extreme pain, suffering and distress.

'Taking the foal away from its mother at such a young age would have caused distress to the mare and she is now at risk of developing mastitis in her udder.'

Inspector Andy Oliver, from West Devon Police, said: 'This was a particularly nasty and distressing incident.

'Someone will know who is responsible.

'This behaviour is bizarre and of concern and I would ask anyone with information concerning the incident to contact the police.'

There have been three other reports of similar attacks on horses and ponies across Devon and Cornwall in the last 12 months.

'Officers will be working closely with partner agencies, including the RSPCA, Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society and South West Equine Protection to investigate the offence.

Anyone who was in the area of Iron Mine Lane between Sunday, July 21 and Tuesday evening, July 23, or who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 918 or 23/07/13 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.