THE heartbroken owner of two horses is refusing to give up hope of finding whoever killed them.

Twelve months have passed since Anita Dawson’s beloved horses were attacked in their Haltwhistle stable, overnight between July 8 and 9 last year.

The pair suffered abdominal injuries after enduring multiple stab wounds at the site, just off Bellister Road.

Tara (19) died within days of the sickening incident, while five-year-old ‘T’ appeared to be making a good recovery, before succumbing to her injuries a month later.

Despite repeated appeals for information, those responsible for the attack still remain at large.

Now Mrs Dawson has decided to almost double the reward of £1,200, which was put up by Haltwhistle residents in the aftermath of the incident, for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

She said: “I was very touched when the community put up a reward of £1,200, and we have now decided to add a further £1,000, increasing the total to £2,200.

“I don’t know who could commit such a sickening act of violence, but one year on, they are still out there.

“I have spoken to the police and they remain keen to listen to anyone who has information.

“I won’t give up. This has been a very traumatic time for my family and we have to hope that justice will be done.

“We’ve received a lot of kind words and support from the community after what happened.

“This terrible incident has angered and upset a lot of people.”

Keen rider Mrs Dawson had rented an enclosure with stables at a field at Bellister Road, for over a decade.

Neighbourhood inspector Pam Bridges has urged anyone with information to call police on the 101 telephone number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.