A SHETLAND pony has been attacked and seriously injured by a dog near a campsite in the New Forest.

The one-year-old pony suffered a gaping wound between her ear and jaw, plus several bite marks and puncture wounds around her mouth.

She belongs to New Forest agister Andrew Napthine, who is offering a £100 reward for information leading to the conviction of the dog's owner.

The animal - Fernyknap Ellie May - was found near Ashurst Campsite and taken to Seadown Veterinary Hospital, Hythe, where her wounds are being treated.

Mr Napthine has reported the attack to the Verderers - the guardians of the Forest.

A Verderers spokesman said: "The incident is thought to have occurred last week and by the time Ellie May was found her injuries had become infected.

"Dog bites can be very serious but it's hoped she will make a full recovery.

"The dog's owners are probably aware the animal has been involved in some kind of incident because it's likely to have been bloodstained.

"It's a breach of Forestry Commission bylaws to allow a dog to be out of control - and allowing it to attack livestock is a criminal offence."

Anyone with information about the attack should ring the Verderers on 023 8028 2052.