A PETITION calling for tougher penalties for rural and animal crimes has been launched in the wake of a suspected arson which killed 12 horses.

Elmwood Equestrian Centre suffered the horrific loss of 12 horses overnight on Sunday December 3 in what police are now treating as a deliberately started fire.

The Burnham community has rallied in support of the centre, and now an online campaign has been set up to toughen responses to similar rural crimes.

Kate Davis, who started the petition, wrote: “Enough is enough and it has to stop.

“Penalties for the abuse, mutilation and murder of animals and damage to rural properties is currently beyond pathetic.”

“These disgusting people MUST be brought to reason - a harsher penalty for such crimes may help those involved to think twice.

“Imagine seeing that huge barn on fire, watching it collapse knowing your precious, beloved horses were in there and there was nothing you could do.

“They have no regard for the consequences on innocent animals, or the people involved, but they may take a step back if they face a much harder punishment for what they have done.”

The petition was started on Tuesday December 5 and has since gained more than 740 signatures. Visit http://bit.ly/2AtTgph