THE deaths of three horses in distressing circumstances near Dungannon, Co Tyrone, is under investigation. The animals were discovered by a local breeder, Jacqui Short Boyce, on Wednesday, March 11th, when she discovered a yearling dying in a field between Dungannon and Cookstown. What appeared to be his mother was found dead nearby that night and the following day, another horse was found dead. All three horses appeared to have been subject to extreme neglect.

“Driving from Dungannon to Cookstown, I looked into a field I have dreaded passing for over a year,” Short Boyce said. “Last year, I reported horses in this field with almost no fencing, being passed between PSNI, DAERA and Mid Ulster District Council, each saying it wasn’t their responsibility. One of those horses was killed on the road a week later.

“On Wednesday, I saw a young horse lying in distress in that same field. I turned the car around and went to him. He whinnied when he saw me, but it was clear he was dying. He still had his foal tail - less than a year old.

“For two hours, I tried to get help calling vets, police and posting online to trace an owner and looking for help. Thanks to My Lovely Horse Rescue, Tyrone Husky Rescue and RUA Equine Ltd, as well as all the others, you know who you are, who came to help and stayed with this poor baby. Sadly, it was too late.

“He was humanely put to sleep wrapped in blankets and surrounded by people who cared, something he never knew in his short lifetime. But the worst news came afterwards - his mother was found further down the field, already dead and decomposed.

“This field appears to have become a place where horses are dumped and left with no care, no ownership and no accountability. How is this still happening?

“Authorities had been warned about this field last year by myself and many others about the neglect. How can a field with known welfare issues, beside a main road continue to be used like this? This is animal cruelty and a public safety risk.

“I am asking Mid Ulster District Council and the relevant authorities how many more horses have to suffer or die before someone takes responsibility?”

A DAERA spokesperson said: “DAERA is aware of the distressing images that have been circulating online of this incident and shares the public’s concern about the condition of these animals. The Department understands that the relevant enforcement bodies attended the scene and the matter is subject to an active investigation, led by the council animal welfare service.”

A spokesperson for the Mid Ulster Council said: “Animal Welfare has received a report regarding one horse dying in the Dungannon area. As this matter is part of an open and active investigation, we are unable to provide any further comment at this time.”

The PSNI were approached for comment, but a response was not received at time of print.