THE police chief who investigated the killing of two horses by police marksmen near York has said lessons should be learned from the incident.

Chief Superintendent Andy McMillan, director of specialist operations at North Yorkshire Police, said it was “a matter of regret” that it took police so many shots to kill the animals, but said they had no choice but to shoot them.

Chief Supt McMillan has investigated the incident at Dunnington on September 12, in which police shot wild horses amid concerns that they would get on to the busy A1079.

He said firearms training was being reviewed, to give officers more information about handling animals, and said the force would work with the British Equine Veterinary Association.

Police were criticised by local residents and animal lovers following the shooting of the stray horses. Following the outcry, Chief Supt McMillan investigated police tactics.

He said it was clear from public and police reports that “the public were in danger from the horses straying on to nearby A and B roads”, and attempts to corral the horses had failed.

The report said: “Expert advice was taken from two specialist equine vets and the considered decision was made that the horses posed a very real and serious threat to public safety, particularly to those travelling on the nearby A1079.”

Police considered using tranquiliser darts but ruled it out due to the distances involved.

Chief Supt McMillan confirmed 18 shots were fired at the first horse, 15 from “a significant distance”, with officers climbing on to a police vehicle for a better angle.

He said: “Due to the demeanour of the first horse it was not possible for rifle officers to come closer than 300 metres, thus all but three of the 18 shots were made at significant distance with a small sight picture of an animal moving erratically and at speed.

“After the first two shots, the first horse had not fallen to the ground so it became imperative to despatch it as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary suffering. This involved an additional 13 shots at distance, utilising the raised vantage point on the back of the police 4x4 vehicle to ensure the shots were fired downwards to maximise public safety.”

When officers approached the fallen horse, they realised it was still alive, so three more shots were fired. The report showed the second horse was killed instantly by simultaneous shots fired by two officers.

Chief Supt McMillan said: “It is a matter of regret that it took 18 rounds to despatch one of the horses. However the unique nature of the incident posed a number of significant difficulties.

“The location, the demeanour of the horses, the failure of traditional resolutions and the significant risks to public safety made this incident extremely difficult to resolve and firearms were only used by officers as a last resort.”

The firearms commanders, officers and tactical advisor had behaved in a professional and competent manner, in line with training and guidance.

Weapon systems were being reviewed to ensure effectiveness.