A NATIONWIDE appeal was issued this week for the safe return of a 24-year-old horse who has been in the same home since he was a two-year-old. Stolen from his field on Easter Thursday in Fethard, Co Tipperary, was this distinctive-looking speckled roan, (named Paul), whose owner is distraught at his sudden disappearance. The horse has been in his same owner’s care for the last 22 years. Helping in the nationwide search is the Action for Animal Welfare Group, based in Thurles, Co Tipperary. Group spokesperson Anne Williamson said: “This horse is well known to everyone in the area and goes for his Sunday jaunt with his owner every Sunday. He has taken girls to their weddings and even did a funeral or two as well as bringing Santa to Fethard on a few occasions and why anyone would take him is beyond comprehension. He is a horse in a million and we won’t stop until he is found and safely back where he belongs. Everyone is asked to keep a look out and all information on the possible whereabouts of the stolen horse please to any Garda Station or 0860834208.”