Horse found with multiple stab wounds
A horse that was found with multiple stab wounds had to be put down on the side of the road in Yorkshire yesterday (22 September).
The RSPCA were called when the black and white cob type gelding was found loose on the side of the road in Murton Way, Osbaldwick.
The gelding, who was thought to be about three-years-old, had five stab wounds and was euthanased by a vet at the scene to prevent further suffering.
“He was wearing a head collar and tether strap so had been tethered and either released or had escaped from it,” said a spokesman from the RSPCA.
“We believe more than one person was likely involved in this incident, as it seems impossible that the horse would have allowed someone to do this to him without being restrained.”
The owner of the horse has not yet been identified and the RSPCA is urging anyone who has more information about the incident to phone 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell.
The perpetrators could face a maximum prison sentence of six months and/or a £20,000 if they are found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.