Horse Cruelty Shock

An appalling animal cruelty case has shocked the UK this week with the discovery of over 80 neglected horses being found in a field with more than 30 other dead animals.

The RSPCA found 31 dead horses, ponies and donkeys when they were called to the site in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, where they discovered that the animals had been neglected and left where their bodies had fallen.

They removed 14 animals immediately and three more were in such a poor condition they had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice.

A spokeswoman for Redwings Horse Sanctuary said: "Redwings Horse Sanctuary has travelled to rescues on many occasions but rarely sees cruelty so far advanced that equines are seemingly forgotten and literally left to die."

The 84 surviving horses are being taken to sanctuaries by the RSPCA, whose spokeswoman said it was likely that the charity would seek a prosecution of the horses' owner.

The field where the horses were being kept is on Chalk Lane in Hyde Heath just outside Amersham.

Thames Valley Police said that a man was arrested on separate police charges and is due to appear before Aylesbury magistrates on Monday.

He has been named as James Gray, 44, from Amersham, and although he was arrested and later bailed on separate charges of criminal damage and assault on a police officer, a spokesman wouldn't confirm any connection with the animal cruelty investigation.

It is belived the horses had been bought for as little as £1 each and were destined for a foreign slaughterhouse.

(BMcC)