Greyhound dog attacks pony on Isle of Wight beach

Louisa Mills’ pony, Georgia, was chased away from Appley Beach at around 9.30am in the morning.

Her friend, Donna Skeldon, was riding the 12-year-old small horse when the greyhound attacked.

“It was horrendous,” said Louisa, of Binstead.

“The dog was attacking Georgia’s legs.

“Georgia was bucking, and that caused Donna to fall off.

Louisa Mills’ pony, Georgia (Image: Contributed.)

“It continued to chase Georgia off the beach and up Appley Lane.

“Donna called, and we drove from Nettlestone and found Georgia near Puckpool Park.

“She’s very stiff, on her toes; very shaken up by it.

“The dog was gone by the time we found her. She was coming straight at us, and it looked like she was going home.

“It was really scary. We put our car across the road, and I managed to jump out and grab her.

“She was so fearful. Normally, she would stop, but I had to chase her for a while.

“Luckily, she doesn’t seem to be seriously injured, but we will see how she is.

“It would be nice if the owner came forward and apologised.

“It’s so important to keep your dogs under control.”

Louisa is keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police, quoting the reference number: INC-20240217-0604.

Louisa Mills’ pony, Georgia, running in the road in a panic. (Image: Contributed.)

“We were fortunate she turned left,” said Louisa’s husband, Steve.

“If she turned right, she would have gone up Marlborough Road, and who knows what would have happened.”

While the incident did cause some traffic chaos, Steve said most motorists understood the situation, and some even tried to help catch the pony.

“I’m a bit bruised and tender on one side,” said Donna.

“We were galloping across the beach – no one was in our path – and a greyhound just came flying across and attacked Georgia’s legs.

“I came off her, still holding the reins, and tried to beat the dog away.

“Eventually I had to let go, for safety, and that was it – she was gone.”

Among those to step in to help was Ryde Beach Lifeguards. They tried to steady the pony and chase the dog away.

“I got up to the gate on Appley Lane and a holidaymaker gave me a lift,” said Donna.

“It was terrifying, trying to calm the horse and get the dog away at the same time.

“It all happened so quickly.”

Donna says, after retrieving her dog, the greyhound owner left the scene.