Dismembered horse and dead foal dumped near high street in Shropshire village - RSPCA appeals for information
WARNING: Some readers may find the graphic image below upsetting
The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a decapitated horse and a dead foal were discovered dumped in a village near Bridgnorth.
It is believed the dead animals were left near a bridleway off High Street, Claverley on either Saturday night or Sunday morning (July 25/26) - though the RSPCA has said they likely died earlier.
The RSPCA said the body of the bay horse was in three pieces and both animals were covered with a tarpaulin when its officers arrived on Sunday. The charity is appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
No microchip could be located but the charity said the horse appeared underweight and had long hooves.
One local resident contacted the Shropshire Star, concerned about the decomposing animals.
“A few residents have been making calls,” he said. “Everyone is saying how awful it is.”
WARNING: A graphic image of the animals’ remains follows
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The RSPCA said two of its animal rescue officers (AROs) attended to find the remains after a member of the public contacted the charity.
ARO Sarah Guest, who is making enquiries following the discovery, said: “We're grateful to the member of the public who contacted us. It must have been very distressing and upsetting to find.
“The deceased bay was found in three pieces and they were covered with a tarpaulin when we visited. There were flies and maggots so it appears they have been deceased for longer than when they were reported to have been dumped.
“Due to the condition of the remains, we couldn’t locate a microchip. The horse - who we are presuming is a mare - appeared underweight and had long hooves.
“We don’t know how the pony or mare died but the circumstances are clearly a potential cause for concern, and we are looking into what may have happened here.
“Anyone who can help with first-hand information about these horses is urged to contact us on 0300 123 8018 and can quote incident 01864949.”
The RSPCA said Shropshire Council has been contacted about the removal of the horses.
A West Mercia Police spokeswoman said: “We were called at around 5.42pm on Sunday, July 26 after a deceased horse and foal were discovered at the side of the road near the High Street in Claverley.
“Enquiries are ongoing to understand the circumstances.”
It comes after the RSPCA launched its Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues fundraising campaign which coincides with the charity’s busiest time as cruelty reports peak over summer.