Rescue pony Magpie dies after mouth infection fight

Magpie the rescue pony, who for four years lived at World Horse Welfare Penny Farm on Preston New Road, was put to sleep this week due to a mouth infection.

A spokesman for World Horse Welfare said: “Magpie had been born with several deformed teeth, which over a period of time had become severely infected and the infection had unfortunately spread to his jaw and sinuses.

“Magpie has received the very best care from our vet and the team at Penny Farm, but the problems that affected him could not be resolved through operations or medication.

“It was with great sadness that the whole team decided it was in Magpie’s best interest to put him to sleep.

“Since his arrival at Penny Farm four years ago as a welfare case, Magpie has captured the hearts of everyone at Penny Farm, both visitors and the World Horse Welfare team.

“He was a fast learner and full of character, taking learning tricks and horse agility with his dedicated groom, Hayley.

“Magpie was a truly amazing little pony who never failed to make everyone smile and he will be very sadly missed by all at World Horse Welfare.”