Horse shot in face by rifle in Great Bedwyn

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-29603322

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A horse has been left with a gunshot wound after being been shot in the face in a field in Wiltshire.

Dorothy, an 11-year-old dressage horse, was discovered with the injury just below her left eye on Wednesday in fields near Great Bedwyn.

Wiltshire Police said the bullet entered her skull and it was "very fortunate" that she was not killed.

Officers believe the wound was caused by a rifle, but think it was a stray bullet and not a targeted attack.

A spokesman for the force said it could possibly be a poaching-related incident.

He said Dorothy's owner is "understandably concerned" for the safety of his animals and staff who work in and around the area, and is appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact the force.