This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-23454912

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Dartmoor pony 'mutilated and killed in ritual' Dartmoor pony 'mutilated and killed in ritual'
(35 minutes later)
The body of a pony has been found "mutilated and possibly arranged in a ritualistic way" on Dartmoor.The body of a pony has been found "mutilated and possibly arranged in a ritualistic way" on Dartmoor.
The animal, which was believed to be about two months old, was surrounded by patches of burnt moorland, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokeswoman said. The animal, which was believed to be about two-months-old, was surrounded by patches of burnt moorland, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokeswoman said.
The colt also had traces of white paint on one of its legs and appeared to have been involved in "some sort of ritual", police said.The colt also had traces of white paint on one of its legs and appeared to have been involved in "some sort of ritual", police said.
The discovery was made at Yennadon Down near Dousland on Tuesday evening.The discovery was made at Yennadon Down near Dousland on Tuesday evening.
'Nasty and distressing''Nasty and distressing'
But it is believed the foal had died about 24 hours before it was found.But it is believed the foal had died about 24 hours before it was found.
Insp Andy Oliver said it was an "unusual, nasty and distressing" find. Insp Andy Oliver, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said it was an "unusual, nasty and distressing" find.
"In the last 12 months there have been at least three similar incidents in the force area," he said."In the last 12 months there have been at least three similar incidents in the force area," he said.
The person who found the pony called the police because there were no obvious signs it had been attacked by another animal.The person who found the pony called the police because there were no obvious signs it had been attacked by another animal.
Insp Oliver said his officers would be speaking to "experts in the field as it was not in the normal remit".Insp Oliver said his officers would be speaking to "experts in the field as it was not in the normal remit".
The force is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.The force is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.