THE owner of a family petting farm is waiting for answers after fences were broken by horse riders taking part in a hunt.

Nicky Ives, who owns Vurlands Animal Farm and The Eggcup tearooms, in Swyre, has been left feeling angry after hunt riders came onto her land.

The farm is situated along the B3157 coast road and is a popular destination with families in west Dorset as the business also provides a children's soft play centre.

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Mrs Ives said: "We are current speaking to representatives of the hunt group while police carry on with their investigation."

It is said the incident was witnessed by visitors and the hunt involved had promised to repair any damage.

Dorset Police said its rural crime team had visited the scene and is continuing to liaise with the owners.

In a Facebook post to its customers, the farm said: "We at Vurlands Farm are in no way affiliated with the the hunt that broke onto the farm (or any hunt for that matter).

"We're sorry that some of you had to witness this and we are all just as angry as you will be.

"We are in contact with said hunt, who have assured us that a thorough investigation is under way, our broken fences and any animal injuries shall be covered by them.

"Although this isn't enough to cover the distress, we can but hope that it's a start to stopping this ever happening again."

A spokeswoman from Dorset Police said: "The matter has been reported to police and officers from the rural crime team have visited the site and are liaising with the owners."