The RSPCA is appealing for more information about a young piebald foal found dumped in a ditch “like unwanted rubbish” earlier this month (15 February).
The filly was found by a road in Easenhall, near Rugby. It is thought she had been dead for more than a week.
Ben Jones, the RSPCA animal welfare officer who attended the scene said he was “taken aback and saddened” by the sight of “this poor pony in awful condition lying there dead in the ditch.”
“On further inspection, I could see from the condition of her coat, her overgrown hooves and sores that this young foal would have suffered and may not have been able to walk. She would have had a horrific end to her life, a life that was cut far too short,” he said.
The foal was dumped on a remote road to which is thought to be to avoid witnesses.
“This seems like a very calculated incident,” inspector Jones added. “It is absolutely unacceptable for any owner to coldly dispose of their pet in this manner and we are appealing for information from the public who may know more about what happened here.”
The RSPCA is hoping to find out more about a blue Transit van with a trailer attached that was seen in the area acting suspiciously on Sunday 8 February.
“This horse would have been kept in a field somewhere probably in the local area and we are also looking to speak to anyone who may have noticed that a young foal of this description has suddenly disappeared,” Mr Jones said.
Anyone with more information about the horse or the van should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.