The body of another dead and mutilated stallion has been found in what appears to be the third horrific attack in less than two weeks.

Sammy, an 11.2hh Welsh/Arab pony, was found dead in his field near Whitstone, Devon on Saturday. He was three-years-old and owner Tanya Ingram said she was intending to breed from him.

However, a spokesman from the RSPCA said: "No foul play is suspected and the injuries are thought to have been inflicted post mortem."

Devon and Cornwall Police said "this is not a crime" and that he died of "natural causes" – but the owners are unconvinced.

The incident happened just days after two-year-old Friesian stallion Erik was found mutilated near Truro, Cornwall, and on January 5 a seven-year-old stallion Barney was found slashed in Carmarthenshire.

Ms Ingram has 12 other horses on the site. Sammy was the only stallion, and none of the others were harmed. Dyfed Powys Police have closed Barney's case, but Barney's owners also remain convinced it was not a natural death due to the nature of the wounds.