11 hours ago
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Members of the public captured a bulldog which was trying to bite the legs of two police horses while they were out on patrol in London.
Metropolitan police horses Yvonne and Snaffles were being ridden by officers when the out-of-control canine began nipping at their legs.
The incident in Shepherd’s Bush Green, west London, on Monday morning was captured on the body-worn camera of one of the police riders.
The footage shows 13-year-old Yvonne moving in circles to escape the dog, which ran back and forth between the horses as the owner struggled to get it under control.
The bystanders eventually stepped in to seize the dog, which was then returned to its owner.
Investigations are under way and no arrests have been made.
Sgt Leon Astley, who was riding with PC Grace Miller-McCormack when they were attacked last Monday, said: “What should have been a routine patrol turned out to be unexpectedly eventful, where our hard-working police horses were sadly injured in the course of their duty.
“Fortunately Yvonne and Snaffles are recovering well and being looked after in their stables.
“We know horses are not a common sight in the capital but we urge all owners to keep their dogs under control to prevent this happening again.”
The Met is appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Yvonne, 13, recognisable by her big ears, has been a police horse since October 2020.
Snaffles, 15, has previously starred in Activity Ride, the Mounted Branch’s performance at Olympia, and has been involved in public order policing in central London.
A person can receive an unlimited fine and be sent to prison for up to six months for having a dog seriously out of control, the Met said.
If the dog injures someone this can increase to up to five years in prison.
