Two Metropolitan Police horses were attacked by a small dog in Shepherd's Bush, west London, on Monday.
The incident occurred around 11.30am when the dog chased and repeatedly attempted to bite the legs of the horses, named Yvonne and Snaffles.
Sergeant Leon Astley and PC Grace Miller-McCormack were riding the horses on patrol in Shepherd's Bush Green when the attack happened.
The dog's owner struggled to regain control of the animal during the incident.
Yvonne and Snaffles were attacked by the small dog
Met Police
Members of the public eventually had to step in to help detain the dog as the officers tried to maintain control of their mounts.
Police bodycam footage worn by PC Miller-McCormack captured the frightening encounter.
The video shows the small dog running up to the two horses on Shepherd's Bush Green.
PC Miller-McCormack can be heard warning that the dog is "going to get kicked" as it begins chasing Yvonne, the 13-year-old grey horse ridden by Sergeant Astley.
The officer is later heard saying "get away" as the dog targets 15-year-old Snaffles, the brown horse she was riding.
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Police bodycam footage worn by PC Miller-McCormack captured the frightening encounter
Met Police
The video shows the small dog running up to the two horses on Shepherd's Bush Green
Met Police
The footage also captures PC Miller-McCormack telling the dog owner: "You need to grab (the dog), you need to get hold of it."
Members of the public can be heard shouting in the background as the dog continues its pursuit.
Both horses are recovering well at their stables with only minor injuries, according to the Met Police.
The officers were unharmed during the incident.
The dog was initially seized by police following the attack. It was later returned to its owner, the force confirmed.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. No arrests have been made in connection with the attack.
Yvonne has been a police horse since October 2020.
Snaffles, the 15-year-old brown horse, is regularly involved in public order policing in central London.
Members of the public can be heard shouting in the background as the dog continues its pursuit
Met Police
The Met Police said the incident occurred during what should have been a routine patrol.
Sergeant Astley said: "What should have been a routine patrol turned out to be unexpectedly eventful, where our hardworking police horses were sadly injured in the course of their duty. Fortunately, Yvonne and Snaffles are recovering well and being looked after in their stables."
He added: "We know horses are not a common sight in the capital, but we urge all owners to keep their dogs under control to prevent this happening again."
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward by calling 101 and quoting CAD2691/28APR25.
A person can receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months for having a dog seriously out of control.
If the dog injures someone, the prison sentence can increase to up to five years.
