Horse Killed and Rider Injured in Horror Dog Attack as Community Demands Urgent Action.

A shocking and tragic incident in Havering has sparked urgent calls for action after a horse was killed following a dog attack in local woodland.

Police were called at 17:15hrs on Friday 20 March to Havering atte Bower following reports of a dangerous dog incident. It was reported that two dogs attacked a horse in Havering Park Woods. The rider, a woman in her 30s, was thrown from the horse and taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. Her injuries are not believed to be life changing or life threatening.

Officers seized two dogs at the scene, which remain in police kennels. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly among horse riders who say this is a tragedy that should never have happened.

One rider who witnessed the aftermath described the scene as horrific and said it has had a major impact on those who were there.

The rider explained that the horse had been attacked in the woods before running into a wall on the green, with members of the public rushing to help both the horse and the rider. Despite their efforts, the horse died before a vet could arrive.

The incident has reignited growing concerns about dogs being allowed off leads in woodland areas, with riders saying they regularly encounter both responsible and irresponsible owners. There are also concerns about dogs running close to horses, creating dangerous and unpredictable situations.

Calls are now being made for stricter measures, including dogs being kept on leads in woodland areas, clearer signage about the laws around dogs worrying horses, and increased patrols to ensure safety.

There are also wider concerns about safety in the woods, with reports of motorbikes and other activity adding to what some describe as an increasingly unsafe environment for riders and wildlife.

The incident has been reported to relevant organisations, with calls for it to be closely monitored as the investigation continues.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting CAD 5965 20MAR, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

As the investigation continues, many in the community are now asking what more can be done to prevent such a devastating incident from ever happening again.

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