A HORSE owner is asking passers-by to keep a look out for trespassers who have targeted her animals.

In the latest incident, a miniature horse was injure in a foolish prank just days after undergoing an operation.

Catherine Millls, aged 45, of Radcliffe Road, Bolton, says that since November there has been a spate of incidents around the stable opposite her home.

The culprits have left stable doors open, placed dangerous netting on the floor and dumped cigarette butts in drinking water.

Early on Saturday, Mrs Mills' husband Kevin discovered that the doors had been left open again.

He found that the smallest of the horses, a Falebella cross named Little Alfie, was hurt after an apparent attempt to ride him.

As well as suffering an injured leg, Alfie was bleeding from a wound that had re-opened following an operation earlier in the week.

The horse is now recovering well and has been housed in a stable nearby. However, Mrs Mills remains concerned about her property, where four other horses are kept.

She is now asking members of the public to be observant when passing the site, which adjoins Five Acre Farm.

Police had offered to install cameras, but were prevented by the absence of an electricity supply. Mrs Mills said: "I love my horses and I'm frightened about what these people are going to do next.

"They are throwing cigarette butts everywhere and the whole thing may catch fire.

"I've spoken to the police and realise that it's difficult for them to do anything, but what can I do?

"If I caught anybody and harmed them then I know I would be in trouble, but I don't know how people can do this.

"It's so upsetting. I just want anybody who sees anything to be on the look out and to report it straight away."