Two teenagers have appeared in court accused of shooting dead two Shetland ponies in a Shropshire field.
The 14-year-old and a 17-year-old, both of Whitchurch, cannot be named for legal reasons.
Both are also accused of carrying a firearm with intent to commit criminal damage, unlawfully carrying a firearm with ammunition in a public place and two counts of animal cruelty.
The pair appeared at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday.
The 14-year-old, who is also charged with stealing a firearm, was remanded into local authority care until Friday. The 17-year-old was due to appear at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court again today.
All the offences are alleged to have happened in Whitchurch on Sunday.
Members of the community were shocked at the discovery of the two dead ponies in their paddock.
The ponies, known as Bill and Ben, belonged to Edgeley House Nursing and Residential Home in Whitchurch, and had lived as pets in the paddock off Edgeley Road for about 14 years.
After the matter was reported a spokesman for the home said: “Everyone at the home is shocked and upset at the death of two beloved pets.
“We are fully co-operating with the police in their enquiries.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Whitchurch police station on 08457 444888.
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