Nanaimo RCMP investigating after Welsh pony shot with arrow

A pony on a Nanaimo, B.C., farm is expected to survive after an arrow punctured its chest, leaving a deep wound.

“The property is situated next to the main entrance to Linley Valley, a very popular spot for mountain bikers and park enthusiasts, but there’s nothing that’s ever happened to her animals before”.

The horse’s owner Joy Rudd reported that she found her Welsh pony, named Bliss, making unusual breathing noises and suffering shock and significant pain early Saturday morning.

Bliss is expected to survive the wound, but the puncture is at risk of infection.

Initially, Rudd thought that a cougar attack had caused the vicious wound, but the RCMP, conservation officers, and a vet, all concluded that somebody had struck Bliss with an arrow.

Rudd said she had last checked on Bliss at 8 p.m. Friday and she was fine.

“It’s an animal, she didn’t do anything to anybody”, she says, noting she hasn’t left the pony’s side since the accident. The surrounding area was searched, but no arrows were found – although blood was splattered on a nearby fence.

Constable Gary O’Brien says it happened overnight, near a busy recreation area.

Nanaimo RCMP ask anyone with information is asked to call them at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Reports can also be made by going to nanaimocrimestoppers.com or texting 274637 using the keyword “Nanaimo”.