A group of “lunatics” shot a pony with a crossbow from just feet away.

Paul Dean said he was worried about the safety of other animals and residents if the culprit of the sickening attack was not found.

The three-year-old Welsh Mountain pony named Chesney suffered a deep wound after an arrow penetrated nine inches into his chest at a farm near East Preston between 3pm and 5.45pm on Wednesday.

It is believed that the arrow was fired from close range because of the depth the arrow went into the pony's chest.

The pony, who is making a good recovery, was bought by Mr Dean for his wife Carole, 61, as a wedding anniversary present just four weeks ago.

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The pair uncovered the aftermath of the terrible act on Wednesday afternoon on their farm in Kingston Lane near East Preston.

Mr Dean, 60, said he approached Chesney in the field after spotting a lot of churned up grass by the gate.

He said: “He had his back to me and then as I turned to his front I saw that he had a bolt through his chest.

“He was in shock with the arrow protruding from his chest but there was no blood.

“When the vet arrived he took the decision not to take Chesney back to their surgery because he didn't know how much movement he could take.

“He removed the arrow there and then which was embedded nine inches into his chest and the blood spurted about four feet.

“The vet had to push bandages into the wound to stem the blood and administer saline because he was going into shock and had a high heart rate.”

Mr Dean said that Chesney was doing well but there were still fears about the risk of infection and the psychological impact the attack will have on his character.

He added: “If this was done by a child then I hope they are reprimanded and they become a better person in later life.

“If it's an adult we want that person to be caught and banged up.

“They could be a danger to other animals but to human life as well.

“You certainly don't expect any animal to be shot with a crossbow.

“We have been here 18 years and never had any issues with animal cruelty at all.”

Sergeant Anna Gent, of the Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This was an extremely unpleasant attack on a defenceless pony which could have proved fatal.”

Anyone with information should be asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting 1543 of 23/10, or email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk.