Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Pepper was found dead behind Roman Camp Cottages in Broxburn on Monday morning.

The pony suffered at least seven stab wounds to one flank and bled to death at the scene.

A friend of Pepper's owner raised the alarm after discovering him in the field on Monday.

Pepper the Shetland pony was found dead on Monday.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the death of Pepper and will appear before the Children's Panel.

Now, a fundraiser has been launched with the aim of collecting enough money for Pepper to have a memorial plaque.

Cheryl Robertson, a friend of Pepper's owners who launched the fundraiser, told the Evening News: “I was utterly distraught when I saw what had happened.

“Having Shetlands and horses of my own, I felt the family’s pain.

“How could anyone be so cruel - these are majestic animals and they trust people

“The reaction to the fundraising has been amazing as this has hit the equine community hard,” added Cheryl.

You can make a donation here.

A Message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Joy Yates

Editorial Director

Fundraiser for Pepper the Shetland pony to have memorial plaque