A HORSE has died and another seriously injured following a sickening attack at a stables in Haltwhistle.

Devastated owner Anita Dawson discovered her animals covered in blood after being stabbed multiple times in an assault described as “cruel and brutal” by police.

While it is hoped five-year-old ‘T’ will recover from the deep wounds inflicted last weekend, her 19-year-old horse Tara died on Tuesday morning, after suffering neck and abdominal wounds.

Police are appealing for the public’s help in finding the attackers.

The Haltwhistle community has rallied round in support of Anita, and a reward has been put up for information leading to the identity of the attackers.

More than £1,300 has already been pledged via social media and through collections in shops and businesses.

The campaign quickly gathered pace after residents were inspired by Haltwhistle tot Ruby Pearson.

Ruby, who will turn four next month, donated three weeks’ pocket money after learning of the attacks on the horses, which she often petted while out walking with her family.

Anita had owned Tara since she was a young horse, and has rented an enclosure with stables at a field, just off Bellister Road, for more than a decade.

A Shetland pony, also owned by Anita and kept at the site, was unhurt in the incident, which happened sometime between 6.50pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday morning.

Anita, a staff nurse at Cumberland infirmary in Carlisle, paid tribute to the efforts of staff at Capontree Vets, in Haltwhistle.

She said: “I am absolutely devastated. I don’t know how anybody could do something like this to such lovely horses.

“The whole stable was covered in blood. It was like an abattoir. They both suffered very deep stab wounds, and needed to be internally stitched.

“Tara was part of the family. We had hoped she would pull through, but it was just too much for her.

“Everybody misses her. ‘T’ has been affected psychologically, and has been very jumpy.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: “This was a cruel and brutal attack on two defenceless animals and we are determined to catch those responsible.

“Both animals were stabbed a number of times and required two vets to work together on stitching together the wounds. We suspect that whoever could be responsible for such an offence would have been in a group and would have been covered in blood following the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on the 101 telephone number.