Three men have been charged following an attack on a horse in South Staffordshire which later had to be put down.

Maggie, a 19-year-old Piebald mare, suffered horrendous injuries after being slashed in a field in Bognop Road, Essington, in April.

Two 19-year-olds and an 18-year-old have now been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, police said today.

They will appear at Cannock Magistrates Court on October 15.

The attack on Maggie, who was owned by Davina Bowyer, shocked the community and led to posters offering a £1,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible being placed around the village.

The horse’s injures included cuts to her back leg, a severed achilles, and a smashed front leg.

The attack at Essington Hall Farm, took place some time between April 13 and April 14. The three suspects were initially arrested on April 27.