The body of a mare, believed to have died giving birth, has been dumped down a country lane.
Horrible death
The pregnant horse was found by passers-by in Hunger Hatch, near Ashford in Kent on Sunday (3 May). The horse had a rope tied around her back legs and the head and feet of the foal could be seen.
“This was one of the most upsetting things I have ever seen,” said RSPCA inspector Rosie Russon. “The horse clearly died in the middle of giving birth, before being dragged by her feet so she could be dumped in the country lane.
“She needed veterinary attention and help giving birth. She and her foal must have suffered a horrible and painful death. It is so sad.”
Struggling to cope
This distressing scene is becoming increasingly common, with the RSPCA receiving in excess of 69,000 calls in the last three yearsconcerning horses in England.
A high proportion of these equines are being abandoned in Kent. The South East county received 1,242 calls in 2014, which is the second highest number in the country, after West Yorkshire.
“We and other welfare charities are struggling to cope with the number of neglected and abused horses and ponies we are seeing, and sadly there are thousands more which are feared to be at risk,” said Rosie.
Warning: the below images may cause distress.