Emaciated horse put down after being abandoned

A horse described as looking “like a skeleton” has been put down after being abandoned in Romford.

The RSPCA is now appealing for information to find the owner.

The emaciated horse was found in a field in the Harold Hill area of Romford last Wednesday (29 January).

The black cob, named Matilda by RSPCA and Redwings staff, was put to sleep the following day.

Vet exams showed the horse — who is thought to be aged between 8 and 12 years old — was suffering from liver damage.

“I found this case absolutely heartbreaking,” said Redwings field officer Jo Franklin.

“Poor Matilda was like a skeleton. Her liver was damaged beyond repair and her body was shutting down; there was just nothing we could do for her. Yet she was such a fighter, she had such a sweet nature.

“It is disgusting that anyone could allow their horse to get into such a state and not ask for help.”

The RSPCA is trying to find out who was responsible for Matilda.

Inspector Virginia Ross added: “There have been horses in this particular field for years and we haven’t had to remove any due to welfare problems.

“However poor Matilda was alone in a corner and we don’t know if she had been there a long time or just left there recently. She had a microchip, but it was an untraceable European chip so we are no closer to finding out who Matilda’s owner is.

“We now need to find out who Matilda belonged to and urge anyone with specific information to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Picture by Redwings

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