Dumped foal put down due to severe leg infection
The RSPCA is searching for the owner of a lame foal who was dumped on the side of a road in Surrey. The animal later died.
A member of the public alerted the RSPCA after seeing the chestnut foal on the side of Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone at around 5.40pm on Monday 4 June.
The foal, who was only a few weeks old was sedated and loaded onto a horse lorry, and taken to a vet. But an infection in his leg had spread to his stifle and hock joints and he was put down.
“This poor animal had an infection, which if caught early could well have been treated, but instead of getting him help whoever was responsible simply dumped him,” said RSPCA inspector Rob Jackson.
“The animal was probably brought to this area specifically to be dumped. However, if anybody recognises the foal or has any information I would urge them to contact the RSPCA.
“If someone thinks it is acceptable to simply leave a creature in this way it begs the question how their other animals are cared for and we have to wonder if they have other animals in need or our help.”
Anyone with information should call 0300 1234 999.
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.