OFFICIALS have spoken of their "shock" after a pony was shot dead in the New Forest.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the four-year-old filly was found near the junction of Tethering Drove and Hale Lane in Hale, near Fordingbridge, just after 5.30pm on December 12.

Police have launched extra patrols in the area in a bid to catch the person responsible. It is believed the pony was shot in the early hours of the morning.

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "The filly had wounds likely to have been caused by shotgun pellets.

"We are investigating the circumstances of the animal's death."

Councillor Edward Heron, deputy chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: "An incident like this one is incredibly rare and I have never heard of anything like this happening in this area.

"It's quite worrying but we will have to await the outcome of the police investigation."

Cllr Neville Penman said: "I can't believe this.

"I'm in total shock.

"People should keep an eye out until we know the conclusion of the investigation.

"I hope they catch the person that did this."

Tony Hockley of the New Forest Commoners said the shooting of a pony is an "unusual incident".

"I would advise people that no additional action needs to be taken," he said.

"This is a one-off incident, horses and ponies are safe here and that's why an incident like this even more shocking.

"I feel for the owners and I really want the police to catch the poacher."

The New Forest Verderers, the organisation responsible for regulating commoning in the forest, declined to make an official statement. However, one official said: "It is a very worrying incident."

Anyone with information about the shooting should call Hampshire Police on 101 quoting 44180462950.