A PONY had to be put down after it was chased by a dog and broke its back leg.

The New Forest pony, which was just a year old, was grazing on Cissbury Ring, near Worthing when it was pursued at around 7pm on Saturday.

It was one of a herd of 18 which have been grazing at the beauty spot since December.

The National Trust, which looks after the South Downs hill fort, yesterday appealed for dog owners to keep their pets under close control there.

Head warden Charlie Cain said: “We are saddened to confirm a pony, belonging to our grazier, was chased by a dog and broke its back leg.

“The right and humane thing to do was to put the pony down.

“The decision was taken with an RSPCA adviser and equine vet.”

He said the owner had come forward and was talking with the farmer and police to “agree an appropriate resolution”.

He said: “For us, this isn’t about singling people out.

“We want to work together with everyone who enjoys this remarkable landscape, to protect it for future generations and inspire people to care for it.

“Responsible dog owners are welcome to walk at Cissbury Ring but we ask for their support in keeping their pets under close control.

“In this case the dog ran across from an adjacent field.

“If you are unsure as to whether your dog will chase livestock we ask you to please keep them on a lead.”

He said the majority of dog walkers take great care around livestock and it was the first time this has happened.

He said: “New forest ponies are calm, placid, not easily spooked and are used to being in places with lots of visitors.

“They are very good at their job and will happily graze the coarse grass and scrub that threatens the wildlife and archaeology that is so important on these sites.

“We welcome responsible dog owners to all our countryside sites in the South Downs – enjoyment of the countryside is important to us and our visitors. “We ask for their support in keeping their pets under close control. If you are unsure as to whether your dog will chase livestock we ask you to please keep them on a lead.”

The charity said it welcomes dog walkers and is supporting a campaign on this. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/cissburyring or southdowns.gov.uk/takethelead