Community Rallies to Rescue Stolen Disabled Pony in North Houston

Pony Theft and Discovery

• 💡 Funky Monkey, a 15-year-old rescue pony with founder (diabetes) and mobility issues, was stolen from his owner's property in North Houston.
• 📸 Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses captured three suspects dragging the pony through rough terrain and a shopping center.
• 📍 Witnesses spotted Funky Monkey approximately 4 miles away, highlighting the extensive effort by the thieves.

Community Effort and Recovery

• 🤝 Neighbors, businesses, and strangers collaborated, sifting through hours of surveillance video to help locate the stolen pony.
• 📞 A call from a stranger led the owner to Funky Monkey, who was found tied to a fence in the dark.
• 🎉 The reunion was emotional, with the owner expressing immense relief and gratitude for the community's support.

Owner's Mission and Plea

• 💖 Vanessa Riley, Funky Monkey's owner, runs Peace, Love, and Ponies, a rescue organization that uses rescued animals for therapy and joy.
• ⚠️ She emphasized that these animals are living beings, not just livestock, and urged accountability for the thieves.
• ✅ The incident has prompted Vanessa to enhance security with new locks, but the overwhelming community response remains her most cherished takeaway.