A HORSE had to be put down and a dog was found in a horrific conditions in two cases of extreme animal cruelty in the space of just a few days.

The dog, a Pit Bull Terrier, was found in Napier Crescent, Basildon with swollen and injured feet and a serious skin condition.

The dog was discovered at 10am on Thursday January 10.

Just days later, on Monday January 14, a horse was discovered in Cranfield Park in Cranfield Park Road, Wickford.

It had suffered a deep cut around the width of its leg and sadly had to be put down.

*Full story and pictures in Monday's Echo