by Gillian McDade
Horses and ponies have been left injured after being beaten by youths at the Fort Riding Centre for the Disabled in Maghera.
Padlocks on the gate were broken some time over the weekend.
Youths chased the animals into a lane. It's believed ropes were tied around their necks.
This is the latest in several attacks over the past number of years.
The incident has been reported to the police.
It's believed CCTV could solve the problem - however the centre receives no funding and therefore affordability is an issue.
Volunteer Instructor Noeleen O'Hagan says the animals have been so traumatised by the beatings that they are frightened when the staff approach them:
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