Stolen Shetland pony reunited with owner after eight months

Maisie was found after police received a report about a group of horses close to the M5

A miniature Shetland pony who was stolen eight months ago has been reunited with its owner.

Maisey was taken from a field in the Castle Combe area of Wiltshire between 11 and 12 July 2023.

The 16-year-old was located this week after Avon and Somerset Police received a call from a concerned member of the public who had seen a group of horses near the M5 at Avonmouth.

Police said the incident had shown the importance of chipping animals.

Maisey's owner, Allison Wood had pleaded for her animal's safe return, but despite enquiries and a number of sightings reported around the country, it remained missing.

But that changed earlier this week when police and the RSPCA went to the location in Avonmouth reported by the caller and discovered a Shetland pony which appeared to be in poor health.

The pony was taken to Horseworld in Bristol, where it was identified as Maisey.

Maisey was taken to Horseworld in Bristol to recover and is now back home

PC Jess Swanborough from Chippenham neighbourhood policing team helped return Maisey home to her owner Allison Wood, who told BBC Radio Wiltshire she was "absolutely delighted to have her back safely".

"We are extremely grateful to the member of the public who reported their concerns," said PC Swanborough.

"We are so pleased this case has had a happy ending - it shows the importance of chipping your animals so if anything like this does happen, the chances of the animal being located and returned safely are much greater," she added.