An elderly pony has been savaged by a rottweiler in a terrifying attack while it grazed in its Lincolnshire field.

Oliver, a 30-year-old pony, was pounced on by the dog as he grazed in his paddock on Causeway Lane in Lea, near Gainsborough.

The Welsh Mountain pony was only saved when a neighbour saw the attack and rushed out to help.

Oliver had to undergo a two-and-a-half hour operation to have his throat stitched up.

Now police are investigating the incident.

But owner Susan Cooper, from Causeway Lane in Lea, says the injuries could have been far worse.

"He is an old pony and he has had a traumatic experience," she said.

"He is not very well at all.

"I am just feeling sick about what has happened.

"It has frightened me to death."

Oliver sustained injuries to his throat, eyes and legs in the attack – leaving Mrs Cooper with a vet bill in excess of £500.

The attack on Oliver comes as the Home Office prepares to roll out plans to microchip dogs – making it far easier to trace owners of dangerous dogs.

For more on the attack, see Saturday's Echo.