Vicious dogs maul family horse
Two dangerous dogs which viciously mauled a family's beloved horse on Sunday morning are still on the loose.
A tan male American staffy and female brindle bull mastiff are being hunted by City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder rangers after the attack.
Pep, a 15-year-old horse, suffered deep wounds to his front leg, head, neck and hindquarters.
The incident occurred at the Goldfields Equestrian Centre on Marshall Street, just an hour before about 20 children took part in a monthly pony rally. Tammy Pagel, Pep's owner, rushed to the centre when she heard about the attack.
"I got a call saying I had to get down there right away because he had been attacked and I just couldn't believe it," she said.
"When I got there, Pep was in shock, he was shaking.
"They had him wrapped in a blanket but when he turned to look at me I saw the wounds on his face - it was horrible.
"They managed to calm him down and we called the vet and they started stitching him up."
Pep's regular rider, Brianna Collins, 14, said she had a close bond with the horse.
"We pulled up just after it happened," she said.
"When I saw him I got really upset and cried because my horse was hurt.
"He is always a good horse to be around."
Mrs Pagel said she was glad the canines did not attack any other animals or children.
"It could have been a lot worse; if they attacked one of the ponies they could've gone straight for the jugular," she said. "I just can't imagine what would have happened if there had been kids riding around at the time."
Pep did not suffer any long-term injuries, but Mrs Pagel believes he may become more "skittish".
City ranger services co-ordinator Mike Molyneux said the dog owners had come forward.
"The owners have two little kids themselves and they have indicated they would co-operate in signing the dogs over to us for destruction," he said. "Right now our main concern is locating the dogs.
"If anyone spots any dogs matching the descriptions do not approach it, give us a call and try and keep an eye on its location if possible."
The dogs' owners have also agreed to try and help pay Pep's veterinary bills.
Mrs Pagel said she had received messages of support from people willing to assist financially with Pep's recovery.
To report a sighting of the dogs, call 9021 9697.
