Two horses died from gunshot wounds and a foal was aborted, after what is being described as a 'horrendous' and 'horrific' incident by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).

Responding to an urgent call on Wednesday of last week, ISPCA inspector Lisa O'Donovan found a dead horse lying on the side of the road at Glenanaar, near Ardpatrick, while another mare was frantic and running loose; a third mare, which was six months pregnant, was in a nearby field, unable to stand and bleeding profusely.

A vet was on scene, but the mare succumbed to her injuries and the veterinary examination revealed that both animals had suffered a single puncture wound to their right flank.

The uninjured animal, which was severely traumatised, was secured and escorted from the scene and the ISPCA don't know how the animals came to be in the state in which they were found.

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

“This is a horrendous situation. It was horrific to find the pregnant mare in such distress and fighting for life. We can now confirm that she was 6 months pregnant. It is unimaginable to consider what she had gone through in this remote setting. Thankfully, the mare that we removed is safe in our care and getting the best possible attention," Inspector O'Donovan from the ISPCA said.

The ISPCA’s Chief Inspector, Conor Dowling added: “At this point in time we do not know how the horses came to be in this position. None are identifiable as they were not microchipped. Whatever the circumstances, these animals endured the most terrible suffering. We appeal to anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or Kilmallock Garda Station”.

Anyone with any information can contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty helpline on 1890 515 515, Kilmallock Garda Station on 063 98018 or Bruff Garda Station on 061 382940.

blog comments powered by Disqus