A PREGNANT Shetland pony 'savagely attacked' by a dog in a field had to be put down.

The pony was set upon by a 'big' Staffordshire Terrier type dog and suffered extensive damage to her head.

Several onlookers tried to intervene but struggled to get the dog off the stricken animal.

Eye witness John Carter, said the 10-minute attack was 'something out of a horror film'.

Police said the dog was later destroyed in conjunction with the owner's wishes.

The incident has prompted officers to warn people about keeping control of their dogs when they are exercised.

Mr Carter, whose home backs onto the pony's field in Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle, said he saw the dog bite through the mare's nose and jaw.

The pensioner, who has lived in the street for more than 40 years, said: "I have never seen such a terrible thing in all my life.

"There was blood everywhere, the dog had turned from brown to red because of it.

"The pony just stood there and it couldn't defend itself.

"There were around seven lads who tried to intervene and chase the dog away, but they could not get it loose.

"It was a big thing. It was evil.

"I saw it all from our window, the pony was savagely attacked, it didn't have a chance."

Mr Carter said the pony was taken away to a vet and he was told by its owners the animal, which was expecting a foal, was put down.

The pony's owner was yesterday too upset to talk, but confirmed the animal had been put down.

The dog was seen to run away after the attack and it is unclear where its owner was at the time.

Another eyewitness said the pony had been dragged from one side of the field to the other.

Mr Carter added: "It was a cruel attack that was unprovoked.

"I feel sorry for the people who own it, they've never done anything to harm anyone and they're going to be so upset."

Inspector Mick Johnson said: "We were called just after 7pm on Thursday to reports of a pony being attacked by a Staffordshire terrier.

"The pony suffered injuries and was taken to a vet to be checked over.

"The owner was identified and the dog was recovered by officers and in conjunction with the owners wishes it has been destroyed.

"No-one has been arrested in relation to this incident."