RSPCA issues appeal in search for fly-tippers who dumped Shirebrook horse

The RSPCA has appealed for information after a colt was dumped at a Shirebrook roadside with a broken neck.
The horse was found at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, November 22 by a dog-walker and died later that night.The horse was found at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, November 22 by a dog-walker and died later that night.
The horse was found at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, November 22 by a dog-walker and died later that night.

The animal welfare charity has branded the actions of the culprits 'despicable' after investigators were contacted by police on Tuesday night (22 November).

A member of the public contacted them to report seeing an injured horse dumped by the side of the road in Meadow Lane, Shirebrook.

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A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, as our nearest on-call officer was 80 miles away dealing with another emergency, we requested that police send officers to the scene and, as well as giving advice over the phone, also urged them to contact a vet to attend and see to the horse urgently,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

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“Sadly, the officers later informed us that the colt - a piebald cob - died of his injuries before the vet arrived.

“We believe he had suffered from a broken neck.”

The horse - which was not microchipped - was left at the site overnight as it was too large to remove immediately.

An RSPCA officer visited the scene on Wednesday morning (23 November) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the horse’s abandonment and eventual death. The local council - who have responsibility for the removal of dead animals - also attended to remove the body.

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“This poor little pony was dumped among the rubbish by the side of the road without a second glance,” RSPCA inspector Deborah Scotcher said.

“He was collapsed and clearly very badly injured. He couldn’t get to his feet and must have been very frightened.

“To abandon an animal with such an horrendous injury is just unthinkable and I’d like to find out who is responsible.

“If anyone knows where this pony came from or saw anything suspicious in the Meadow Lane area on Tuesday night then we would urge them to get in touch with us via our inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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“It is despicable to abandon an animal in any circumstances but particularly disgusting to do so in its hour of need. Any reasonable person would have sought immediate veterinary attention for this horse to ensure he did not suffer needlessly.”

The RSPCA is continuing to work with other equine welfare charities in response to the ongoing horse crisis, and trying to prevent further animals from suffering. The organisations are calling on the Government in England to take urgent action to address the ongoing horse crisis, to deal with the numbers of horses being illegally abandoned and the lack of enforcement in the horse passport system.

But the charity has taken flack over their inaction with many commenting online that they should have attended on the night, and not the following day.

Tara Curtis commented: “No one came to put the horse out of pain! That poor horse suffered all night! RSPCA should have been there straight away not this morning.”

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Cara Morris said: “The police knew about it a 8.30pm and informed the RSPCA....but yet theRSPCA only went out this afternoon?

Gaynor Seal said: “Poor little pony, evil evil scumbags and let down by authorities who could and should have ended its suffering sooner.”

Shirley Adkins said: “RSPCA yet again not responding this poor little soul should not have died in pain and like this I’m heartbroken to think some evil being could do such a thing.”

Lucie Gumise stood up for the charity. She said: “They were on another emergency call....they asked the police to attend and they would have dispatched her too. They are not who’s to blame for this poor horse’s terrible death. It’s the sick individual who dumped her amongst the rubbish, injured beyond all help, cold and alone.“Instead of stirring up feelings towards the RSPCA direct your attention to finding the culprit.”

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Julie Mccormick branded the culprits ‘sick, horrible creatures’.

She added: “The RSPCA should have come straight out and ended this poor foals suffering. I’m shocked and saddened to read they came out the day after. No way would I have left this poor animal to suffer in this way.”