Mortlake police said that some time between 7.10am and 9am on Friday the seven-year-old old mare, which was tethered near the intersection of Hood and Webster streets, was set free by an unknown person and struck by a passing vehicle.

The owner, who did not want to be named, said she was devastated by the death of her pet miniature horse Nicky but was particularly upset the driver left the pregnant mare without notifying her or any nearby property owners.

The owner said Nicky was standing up and eating grass when she found her, despite the fact that her back leg was badly broken.

“I just want an apology,” she said. 

“I totally understand (that accidents can happen), although it guts me to the core, but to leave her the way they did is unthinkable. 

“Even a note on the door – they could’ve left it at night if they didn’t want to be seen.

“They didn’t need to leave their name, just to let me know. 

“There are plenty of horse places nearby, they could have called in to any of them and just let someone know what they’d done.”

Mortlake police’s Senior Sergeant Matt Laxton confirmed the driver didn’t stop after the accident.

“The mare suffered severe leg injuries and a passerby alerted the owner.”

“A vet attended and the miniature in-foal mare had to be euthanased on the roadside due to the extent of her horrific injuries,” he said.

The owner of the mare said the incident was shocking but what followed has left her devastated.

“Whether it’s human or animal the events that unfolded after she was let out were horrible,” she said

“I can’t believe she was left.”

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Mortlake police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.