The Metropolitan Police are appealing for witnesses after two of their police horses were attacked by a dog while out on patrol in Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12.
The incident occurred at around 11:30am on Monday, April 28, when Police Horse Yvonne and Police Horse Snaffles, ridden by Sergeant Leon Astley and PC Grace Miller-McCormack, were suddenly chased and bitten at by an out-of-control dog.
According to officers, the dog repeatedly tried to bite the horses’ legs while its owner struggled to regain control. Members of the public intervened to help detain the dog. Thankfully, Yvonne and Snaffles sustained only minor injuries and are now recovering at their stables. The officers were unharmed.
Sergeant Astley, from the Met Police Mounted Branch, said:
“What should have been a routine patrol turned unexpectedly eventful, where our hardworking police horses were sadly injured in the course of their duty. Fortunately, Yvonne and Snaffles are recovering well and are being well cared for.”
The Metropolitan Police are urging all dog owners to keep pets under control, especially around horses. A person can face an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison if their dog is dangerously out of control — or up to five years if the dog injures someone.
The dog involved in the incident was seized but has since been returned to its owner. Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage is asked to call 101 or contact @MetCC on X (formerly Twitter), quoting CAD2691/28APR25.
About the Police Horses:
- Yvonne (13 years old): Recognised for her big ears, she has served as a police horse since October 2020.
- Snaffles (15 years old): A veteran of public order policing in central London and a performer in the Mounted Branch’s Activity Ride at Olympia.
The Metropolitan Police have reminded dog owners that if their pets do not have reliable recall, they should be kept on a lead to ensure the safety of others.
