A HORSE which was shot twice at close range is lucky to be alive, says the vet who treated him.

Police have described the attack on nine-year-old Duke as deplorable. The cob was found by owners Josephine and Garry Roberts, of Ivy Cottage, Upper Gelli, Llanelly Hill, with wounds to his neck and head. He needed surgery at Abbey Veterinary Centre's hospital at Crickhowell.

Mrs Roberts, pictured showing the two pieces of shot, said: "We went to fetch him from his field on Saturday morning when we noticed he was injured. The pellets the vet removed were like large ball-bearings and came from a gun normally used to kill foxes.

"We have lived here for 36 years and never had any problems before. We have no idea who could have done this and our son-in-law Kevin Williams is putting up a reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever was responsible."

Detective Sergeant Howard Salmon, of Abergavenny CID, said: "This was a deplorable incident. Someone fired two shots from a weapon into his neck and head and the vet said they were fired from close range.

"Somebody must know something about this offence and we appeal to them to come forward."

Please contact Abergavenny police on 01873 852273.