Horses abandoned in country park

The RSPCA in Tyne and Wear is appealing for information after they found two horses abandoned in the Rising Sun Country Park, in Wallsend.

A two-year-old chestnut mare was found without food or water, and with overgrown hooves in a very poor condition. Around her neck was a two-inch strip of raw flesh where a tether had become embedded in the skin. Once removed the tether measured 25ins in diameter, yet her neck actually measured 31ins.

The second animal, a two-year-old piebald mare also had terribly overgrown feet. They had splayed and become fan shaped and her hooves had split, creating deep open cuts that ran into her soft sole.

RSPCA inspector Damian Wooliscroft was called to the animals in the afternoon on Friday 7 February following a call from a member of the public. The pair were removed and taken to private stabling facilities for care and treatment at Ponteland.

Damian said: “I was utterly horrified when I saw the condition of these mares. They were both suffering incredible pain and were very distressed when I went out to them.

“It has been a long time since I have seen horses in such shocking condition — it left me very upset.

“If anybody knows who owns these horses, they should contact the RSPCA immediately. Until we find out who is responsible, we cannot take action. We urgently need the help of local people so we can look into taking legal action.”

If you have any information regarding theses two horses please contact the RSPCA (tel: 08705 555999). Calls are charged at the national rate and are treated in the strictest confidence.

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