Local

Pony dies after being attacked by dogs

SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A south Fulton County family is trying to cope with the loss of their pony that died of injuries from a dog attack.

Kimberly Conner, owner of Sasquatch the pony, says abandoned dogs are a growing problem in her community.

She operates Fairywood Thicket Equestrian Center, a nonprofit that uses miniature horses to help veterans with amputations, brain injuries, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

"They're an amazing animal. They build confidence, leadership. They're walking medicine," Conner told Channel 2's John Bachman.

Sasquatch was in his pen when, according to Connor, a pack of four dogs climbed under the railing and attacked him.

"It broke my heart. I couldn't believe what I saw.  There's still blood pools in the barn where we were trying to stop the bleeding this morning," said Conner.

Conner took pictures of the dogs she said attacked her pony. One of them looks blood-stained.

It's not the first time the dogs have caused problems. Two weeks ago, Conner's 16-year-old daughter was cornered in the feed room and trapped for 20 minutes.

Conner told Bachman that people often dump unwanted dogs in her part of rural south Fulton County.

"They bring it to the country thinking one of the farmers will take it.  Well, here's the farmer that got it.  This poor little pony," Conner said.

"We're talking to you because I want people to see what dumping these dogs is doing to all of us. It's not fair. It's the only reason I'm still standing here. I'm sorry," Conner told Bachman.

Fulton County animal control took the four dogs to a shelter.  Now they're investigating who owns the dogs and whether to file any charges.

If you'd like to help Fairy Wood Thicket Equestrian Center, there is an account set up at Fidelity Bank in Sandy Springs, or you can visit www.fairywoodthicket.com for more information.