MARCH 13, 2009: A Shetland pony with very short legs has cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds – because passers-by think she is sinking in mud and keep ringing the emergency services.
Firefighters answered their fourth call this week – at a combined cost of nearly �8,000 – to save the life of the 2ft 4 ins tall pony they have nicknamed “Shorty”. The animal’s stumpy legs are so out of proportion with its long body that people continually assume she has become stuck in the salty marshland where she grazes. Animal rescue expert Anton Phillips, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, was dispatched with 12 other firefighters to help the animal before they realised it was not in any distress. Two fire engines and a specialist lifting vehicle also attended the marshes by the River Test in Southampton. Mr Phillips, 50, said: “This was the fourth time we have been called out by members of the public who have seen this pony on the salt marsh. “We all inherit characteristics from our mother and father and sometimes something odd happens like this. “From 200 yards away it does look like the pony is trapped in the mud, especially when it is stood next to New Forest ponies which are about twice as tall. “It is right for the public to call us if they are concerned and of course we will always respond. “But every time we get there we can see very quickly what we were dealing with.” Owner Sandra Whitcher is now considering putting up a sign beside the 12-year-old pony, named Mayflower, to make it clear she is not in distress.
