RSPCA condemns 'wicked attack' on horse shot through head with longbow

Horse’s owner puts up a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction

Widget the horse is expected to recover from the attack the RSPCA branded as 'wicked'. (RSPCA)

A horse has been shot through its eye with a longbow arrow in what the RSPCA has described as a “wicked attack”.

The horse, a brown and white cob named Widget, was found with the arrow lodged in his head in Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire on Saturday evening.

It is believed the horse will recover from its injuries, but the RSPCA said Widget had had a “lucky escape”.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Mel Fisher said: “It seems this poor boy has had a very lucky escape, though the next 48 hours will be crucial.

“The longbow bolt has gone through his eye socket and into his nasal cavity, miraculously without hitting anything vital. It's hoped he won't lose his eye but it's too early to know for sure.

“This was a wicked attack on a friendly and sociable little chap.”

The horse’s owner, Hannah Dorsett, has put up a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Widget is currently undergoing treatment at the Royal Vetinary College, near Hatfield.

Ms Dorsett said: “The team at the Royal Veterinary College is taking fantastic care of Widget, and is very hopeful that he won't lose his eye which is amazing. At the moment, they are taking all precautions to make sure the wound doesn't get infected or cause an abscess, but it's been mentioned that I might even be able to take him home at the end of the week. I am so proud of my lovely little horse, he is so calm and has taken this awful incident in his stride.

“I visited Widget yesterday and am pleased to say he is very bright and alert and was enjoying plenty of carrots as a treat! I have been overwhelmed by the support from people on social media, so many people, most of which I've never even met, have rallied round to support Widget and I, and it means so much to me.”

The RSPCA urges anyone who saw anything related to the incident to contact the police, or call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.