THE owner of a riding stables has called for dog owners to make sure their animals are secured and on a lead after a dog attack left eight riders injured, and one horse needing to be put down.

On August 9, a group of more than 20 riders set off from Nolton Stables on a well travelled route before a dog jumped from a garden causing major distress to the horses and causing some riders to fall from their horses.

The owners of the dog tried their best to call the dog back to the property, however the dog ignored them and continued to bite at the heels of the horses.

The dog attack caused one horse such distress that it broke its leg, and had to be put down.

Penny Herbert, part-owner of Nolton Stables wanted to urge people to be careful with their dogs after the recent attack.

"An out of control and disobedient dog chased one of our rides causing injuries and the death of one of our lovely horses.

"We are devastated for the damage done to our staff, the riders and horse and are shocked to see such dramatic consequences of irresponsible dog ownership."

A spokesman for Dyfed Powys Police said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

"At approx. 11.20am on Tuesday, August 9, police were called to Nolton Haven, Pembrokeshire, where a group of approximately 25 horse riders were making their way towards the beach area. It appears a dog has ran towards the horses and spooked them. This resulted in riders falling from the horses. Eight people were injured, ranging from minor injuries to broken bones."

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports that a number of people had fallen off their horses in Nolton Haven, Pembrokeshire.

“Four emergency ambulances attended the scene and a number of patients were taken to Withybush Hospital with varying injuries.”