A DEAD horse found dumped in a ditch in Woodham Ferrers has sparked an investigation into who left it there.

RSPCA officers were called out to the scene in Workhouse Lane on Tuesday April 22 after receiving reports of a young black and white coloured foal being discovered at the entrance of a field.

Examinations on the male horse’s body have so far found no obvious cause of death and the owner has not been traced yet.

Steve Craddock, a RSPCA inspector, said: “It was a very distressing discovery for the member of the public who came upon this poor young horse.

“Sadly these kinds of cases are becoming more and more common and we come across far too many dumped, neglected and suffering horses.

“It is fair to say the whole country is in the grip of a horse crisis, one which we are struggling to know how to cope with.”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.