Suspected arson attack kills donkey and horses

Jan 25 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A HEARTBROKEN landowner told last night how he fought against searing heat to try to rescue six terror-stricken horses and a donkey from burning stables.

Arsonists are suspected of causing the early morning blaze in stables and a pigeon loft at a smallholding in the hamlet of Low Westwood, near Consett, County Durham.

The blaze killed a much-loved 35-year-old pet donkey, a foal and a 12-year-old Clydesdale working horse which owner Colin Willis was unable to save despite his desperate efforts.

Mr Willis, 60, who runs the small holding with his wife Avril, managed to lead four more horses away from the scorching heat. They suffered severe burns and were being treated by a vet yesterday.

Around 20 pigeons, as well as peacocks and geese also perished in the blaze, thought to have started at around 6am yesterday.

Last night, Mr Willis said: “I cannot understand the mentality of anybody who would want to burn animals and birds to death. They are beyond comprehension.

“My wife and I were woken by a neighbour who spotted the blaze, and who also rang the fire brigade.”

Mr Willis managed to open some stable doors despite the heat.

“The bolts were red hot. I saw Josh, our 35-year-old donkey, he was just yards from me braying in terror but I couldn’t do anything for him.

“Neither could I force the doors to rescue Grace, the Clydesdale, or Harvey, the foal, which was owned by my teenage granddaughter Kirsty. It was too sickening for words.”

Fire investigators believe the blaze started in the adjoining pigeon cree before spreading to the stables.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or police at Consett on 0845 606-0365.

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