The RSPCA is appealing for information after a horse was found dumped in Upminster last week.
The bay mare was found on Wednesday, 20 May, in Sunnings Lane, Upminster.
She had ropes tied to her back legs, but there was no obvious sign of injury. According to RSCPA inspector Andrea Middleton, the horse appeared to be a young animal.
Inspector Middleton said: “This horse appears to have died and then just been dumped by an owner who wanted to save the expense of disposing of it correctly.
“Our worry is that this horse may have suffered before dying and was not given veterinary care.”
According to research done by vet Ben Mayes of the British Equestrian Veterinary Association, the average cost of disposing of a horse is between £300 and £800.
“But unless you send the horse to a hunt kennels, the costs of euthanasia and disposal rarely less than £500,” he said.
An RSPCA spokesman said there have been a number of abandoned horses in recent months.
“We’re not entirely sure why this is the case but we’re keeping an eye on it,” she added.
Anyone with any information on the horse is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234999.
