A farmer has revealed how two Shetland ponies that were stolen from him were found 'traumatised and starved' 75 miles away - as he said he believes travellers are behind the theft.
James Penny said he was 'so angry' when he discovered six of his miniature ponies had been swiped as they roamed free in the fields of the New Forest National Park.
The theft sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents rallying to help track down the missing animals during a two-week search.
Then following a tip off, the 14-year-old mare and her three-year-old daughter were found 75 miles away in Hilllingdon, west London, wandering roads near the M25.
Mr Penny, from Cadnam in Hampshire's New Forest, said the Shetland ponies were 'traumatised' and 'starved' when was reunited with them.
