Police have launched an investigation after a vandal was spotted cutting down fences and slashing tyres at a popular Dundee stables.
Staff at the Claverhouse Equestrian Centre raised the alarm after noticing fences around a field housing horses had been damaged on Thursday evening, potentially placing the animals and motorists on a nearby road in danger.
The following day, a man was filmed entering the centre on three separate occasions and slashing the tyres of a horse lorry, car and 4×4 vehicle.
Accompanied by a small dog, the unidentified male appeared at 10.02pm, 10.25pm and finally at 11.24pm, slashing a few tyres each time.
In a social media post on Saturday night, owner Donna Ker-ramsay said she believed the acts of vandalism formed part of a planned, personal attack on the stables.
“Luckily the horses were too busy eating the hay bale and didn’t escape but it could have been a disaster,” she said.
“I don’t understand how anyone could want to endanger the lives of animals and people by cutting fences.”
She added: “If the horses had come out of the field onto the road and been hit by a car, the consequences could have been fatal.”
Local residents condemned the vandalism and the post has since been shared nearly 400 times on Facebook.
Ms Ker-ramsay urged any eyewitnesses to come forward and asked those out walking dogs or in the area for any other reason to watch out for any suspicious activity.
Nearby properties using CCTV have also been urged to check any footage recorded on December 7 or 8 for information that could help with inquiries.
Councillor Willie Sawers, who represents the area, said: “I’m concerned to hear of any incidents of vandalism but especially so with any actions that could place animals in possible danger.
“I would urge any members of the public who may have knowledge of these incidents to contact Police Scotland.”
A spokesman for the force confirmed officers are investigating incidents of vandalism at an equestrian centre in William Fitzgerald’s Way.
He added: “A fence has been damaged and a number of car tyres have been deliberately punctured.
“Officers would like to trace a man who was seen in the vicinity wearing all dark clothing and had a small dog with him.”
Anyone with information that could help police with their inquiries is asked to call 101 or speak to any officer, quoting reference CR/32050/17.
