Teenager held after Shetland pony found stabbed to death

Pepper's body discovered in West Lothian field

Shetland ponies originate from Scotland and typically have short legs and a heavy coat (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

A teenage boy has been arrested and charged after a Shetland pony was found stabbed to death in a field.

Police were called to the scene behind Roman Camp Cottages in Broxburn, West Lothian, at 11am on Monday.

Officers said the pony, named Pepper, had been stabbed.

The teenager is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal spokesperson said: “The procurator fiscal at Livingston received a report concerning a 15-year-old in connection with an alleged offence on 8 June, 2020.

“After consideration of the facts and circumstances, Crown counsel instructed that the case be referred to the Children’s Reporter.”

On Monday, a police spokesman said: “Around 11am on Monday, 8 June, a Shetland Pony was found dead in a field behind Roman Camp Cottages, Broxburn.

“The pony had been stabbed and this is believed to have occurred between 9pm on Sunday, 7 June, and 11am on Monday, 8 June.”