A PONY was injured and anti-English slogans were daubed on it stables at a north-Pembrokeshire smallholding - even though its owners are Welsh.

Police are investigating the attack on the pony, which is owned by Alison and David Hayes, who were both born in Wales and moved to the Tegryn area from Cardiff last autumn.

The seven-month-old pony, called Hope, which had a four inch knife slash on its face, was found bleeding by Mrs Hayes.

"This was an incredibly cruel thing to do," she said. "Hope is a beautiful, friendly animal and she was slashed across the face and mouth. Now she is terrified."

The couple planned to open a stables.

Mrs Hayes added: "The motivation of these people was ridiculous and to take it out on an innocent horse was wicked. The only thing I can think is that people may have mistaken our Cardiff accents for English."

Police have appealed for anyone who may have information about the attack to contact them on 0845 330 2000.