CITTA DI CASTELLO, Italy, Sept. 13 (UPI) — Italian police said someone stole a pony believed to be the smallest in the world from its stall at the National Horse Fair of Citta di Castello.

Investigators said the 24.8-inch-tall pony, Charly, was visiting for the 47th annual horse fair when thieves cut through a wire fence overnight Thursday and fled with the pint-sized equine, ANSA reported Friday.

Police said the thieves may be seeking ransom money from Charly’s owner, Bartolo Messina.