Unleashed dog lunges at police horses during patrol through Shepherd’s Bush Green as shocked officers and bystanders scramble to defuse chaos

What started as a peaceful patrol for two police horses in a West London park quickly turned into a chaotic and dangerous situation — all thanks to one out-of-control dog.

On Monday morning, officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Mounted Branch found themselves in the middle of an unexpected confrontation when a small dog suddenly charged at their horses in Shepherd’s Bush Green.

Surprise Attack on the Patrol

It was just after 11:30am when the incident unfolded.

Sergeant Leon Astley and PC Grace Miller-McCormack were calmly riding Yvonne and Snaffles — two seasoned police horses — when a small dog broke free from its owner and bolted straight toward them.

Body cam footage captured the moment the dog sprinted across the grass and began snapping at the horses’ legs.

Despite desperate shouts from the owner calling the dog back, it continued lunging at the animals.

“It’s going to get kicked,” one officer could be heard saying, worried about the dog’s safety as well as the horses’.

The footage shows Snaffles jolting forward, clearly distressed, while the dog clamps onto its leg.

Horses Under Attack, Officers React

The tension only escalated when the dog refused to back down.

As Snaffles tried to move away, the dog switched its attention to Yvonne, then looped back again to continue harassing Snaffles.

Officer Miller-McCormack was heard shouting “get away” as the animal circled and nipped at the horses repeatedly.

Witnesses nearby quickly stepped in to help control the situation as the dog’s owner struggled to get a handle on their pet.

Eventually, members of the public managed to intervene and corral the dog.

Horses Recovering, Police Send a Clear Message

Thankfully, both horses are now recovering back at their stables with only minor injuries, and the officers were unharmed.

The Met Police released a statement later in the day reassuring the public that Yvonne and Snaffles are being well cared for.

Sergeant Astley acknowledged how unexpected the incident was, saying, “What should have been a routine patrol turned out to be unexpectedly eventful.”

A Reminder for Dog Owners in the City

Police also used the opportunity to remind dog owners to keep their pets under control — especially in public places where they might encounter horses or other animals.

“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,” said the Met Police.

While no arrests have been made, the dog was seized at the scene and later returned to its owner.

Authorities are still investigating the situation.

Legal Ramifications of Uncontrolled Dogs

It’s a serious matter: UK law allows for an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison for owning a dangerously out-of-control dog.

If someone gets injured, that punishment can jump to five years.

The Met also advises keeping dogs on a lead if their recall — the ability to return when called — isn’t reliable.

It’s not just for others’ safety, but the animal’s own wellbeing, too.

Meet the Horses: Yvonne and Snaffles

Both horses involved are experienced members of the police force.

Yvonne, 13, joined the Mounted Branch in 2020 and has since played a vital role in community policing.

Snaffles, 15, is something of a star — having performed in the Met’s Activity Ride at Olympia and helped manage public events in central London.