A PONY has been the victim of a horrific attack while in her stable in Wirral after thugs burned her with cigarettes.

The horrific injuries were discovered on Monday morning when 16-year-old Penny’s owner returned to the Hooton stable, after being placed there at 6.30pm the previous day.

A number of small wounds – believed to be cigarette burns – were found on the mare.

Thugs had also fired a staple in to one of the burn wounds.

Penny, who is just four feet high, had six burn marks in total, which are thought to be the result of a lit cigarette being pushed into the pony's coat.

Her worried owners said they will no longer keep Penny stabled for fear of future attacks.

It is thought the wounds were as a result of a lit cigarette being pushed into the pony’s coat.

The incident is now being investigated by the RSPCA.

Animal welfare officer John Littlewood said: “This poor pony must have been in so much pain as a result of this terrible act of cruelty.

“Fortunately the wounds can be treated – but I cannot believe that someone has done this to an innocent animal and for no other apparent reason than being cruel.

“Penny is recovering well – and I now want to hear from anyone who has any information regarding this incident.

“Penny was the only pony being stabled overnight – and she is kept in quite an isolated area – so who whoever had gone there had gone there with the intention of causing her misery.

“Anyone with any information regarding this or knows who caused this poor pony these injuries please call the RSPCA inspector line on confidence on 0300 123 8018.”