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Nanaimo police investigating after pony shot with arrow

NANAIMO – Welsh pony seriously injured, but recovering, after allegedly being shot with arrow.
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A three-year-old Welsh pony named Bliss was found injured by her owner on the weekend near Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park on the weekend. Police and other investigators believe the injuries were likely caused by an arrow.

Police, conservation officers and the B.C. SPCA are investigating the alleged shooting of a horse with an arrow on the weekend.

The three year old Welsh pony named Bliss, was discovered with wounds to her chest Saturday morning by Joy Rudd, her owner.

Bliss was in her paddock, on the Rudd's family acreage next to Rock City Road near the main entrance to Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park.

"I was shocked to think something like this would ever happen on our property and to one of our animals," Rudd said in an RCMP press release.

Rudd went to feed Bliss at 7 a.m. and knew something was wrong when she heard the horse's laboured breathing. The horse appeared to be in shock and considerable pain. When Rudd last checked Bliss at 8 p.m. Friday the horse was fine.

A veterinarian, conservation officer and the RCMP all confirmed Bliss's injuries appear to have been caused by an arrow, but no arrow or other suspicious items were found after a search of the surrounding area.

Two fences separate the horse from the path used frequently by hikers, mountain bikers and park enthusiasts.

Rudd said she has kept animals on her property for years and nothing like this has ever occurred.

Bliss is expected to survive, but could suffer secondary infections from the wound and will require rest and continued care.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-847, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit tips online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.