The RSPCA is appealing for information after a dead horse was found dumped down a bridleway in Essex.

The grisly discovery was made by a member of the public on March 18 at around 6am on a bridleway in Bassett’s Lane, Ongar.

The member of the public called the police who attended and they informed the RSPCA which also sent an officer to the scene.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Suzi Fothergill, who is investigating, said: “This poor horse was just dumped like a piece of rubbish and it is so upsetting for everyone involved when an animal is treated so callously like this.

“There was no evidence that the horse had been moving or struggling where she was found so she may have died before she was dumped.

“The brown and white skewbald mare did have some injuries and she had a six inch diamond gash wound on her left flank and she was also bleeding from her tail and there was evidence of foam around her mouth.

“She had clearly been owned as her tail was plaited, her mane was cropped and she was wearing shoes - but she was not microchipped.

“Tyre tracks were also visible on the bridleway - which is likely how the person responsible had transported her. 

“We don’t know where she has come from, or who did this to her, so we’re appealing to the public to share any information they may have about how she died and who dumped her.

“Sadly situations such as this one are not uncommon and we see far too many incidents involving dead horses dumped in this way.

"The RSPCA and other welfare charities deal with ongoing welfare issues involving abandoned and fly grazing horses. Anyone with information about this horse is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.”

Sadly, the charity receives several calls where dead, and sometimes dying, horses have been found dumped like rubbish, due to the cost of treating them or properly disposing of their body.

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