U.K. Pony Euthanized After Fireworks Injury

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A pony in Dartford, U.K., had to be put down Friday morning after he panicked and crashed into a lamppost during fireworks, Horse and Hound reported. The 5-year-old gelding was found lying in the road after police received reports of a pony galloping around the area.

Nov. 5 is fireworks night in the area. "We don't know if it was definitely fireworks that terrified him, but you would assume so," noted a British Horse Society (BHS) welfare officer who inspected the pony.

As no one came forward to claim the pony, he was relocated to a local stable and examined by a veterinarian.

"He had a heart rate of 120bpm this morning," the BHS welfare officer told Horse and Hound. "His brain was swelling and he couldn't use his front legs, so the sad decision was taken to put him down."

Read more: "Fireworks and Horses: Preparing for the Big Boom"