Horse found collapsed in Swanley likely dumped by owner (From News Shopper)

Horse found collapsed in Swanley likely dumped by owner

4:20pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in Dartford & Swanley news By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter

A HORSE found collapsed in Swanley in the middle of the night appears to have been dumped by its owner.

The female skewbald horse, thought to be about two-years-old, was found in School Lane next to a public footpath on February 13 just after midnight.

It had 15 open flesh wounds all over its body, a major wound on its right front leg and was emaciated with hip bones, spine and ribs clearly visible.

Some of the injuries were so deep bones were exposed and there was also a wound inside the mouth.

Firefighters helped lift the horse to its feet and it was moved to a specialist equine vet who judged the injuries to have been caused by irritation from rugs the horse had been covered with.

The horse was put down because of infection and is thought to have been ill for weeks.

Anyone with any information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8018.