RESIDENTS OF an Ardamine estate where an abandoned horse collapsed and was left to die on an undeveloped site in the estate are appalled at the callous nature of neglect and disregard shown towards the animal.

Witnesses say a man drove up to the site, helped the animal from a horsebox, and drove away.

Locals claim that the horse was showing signs of difficulty with one of its legs. It eventually collapsed and was unable to get up.

Inspectors from the North Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (NWSPCA), were alerted to the situation and called in the Society’s vet, but despite his best efforts, the unfortunate horse could not be saved.

“Unacceptable cruelty,” is how a spokesperson for the animal welfare organisation described the incident.

“It was terrible to see a fine animal end its life in such a distressing way, shame on the man who let it get in such a state and then just to dump it.”

The NWSPCA say that the number of cases involving horses are on the increase as the Society enters the cold, winter period – this was the third horse dumped in Ardamine alone in the last fortnight.

The Society says it doesn’t have the facilities to handle horses itself and relies on other horse welfare charities – but these groups are already reporting their rescue centres are full up and this is before the busy period starts.

The Society can rely of generous supporters locally, to provide temporary holding facilities.

There is concern more horses will be abandoned and left to starve. People don’t appreciate the financial costs and responsibilities associated with owning a horse, or indeed any animal, and when under pressure dump the animal.

There are horse pounds where these animals could be surrendered.

Full story in THE GOREY ECHO this week.