‘Castle Acre appears to be a dumping ground for neglected horses’ - charity slams ‘appalling’ acts after sick animals left near village

Jimmy shortly he was found. (Image: Archant)

They were dumped on three separate occasions in the space of less than two weeks.

World Horse Welfare is calling for anyone with information to come forward.

Field officer Jacko Jackson said: 'This really is a terrible situation of vulnerable horses being dumped when they are extremely poorly and in need of medical care.'

A young colt named Jimmy was the first to be discovered in the Castle Acre area on April 1, followed by another in Necton a couple of days later and then another young filly, now named Doris, also in Castle Acre on or about April 10.

Jimmy was discovered wandering the roads on the outskirts of Castle Acre, very weak and with terrible diarrhoea most likely caused by worm damage. He received medical care following his rescue thanks to Redwings Horse Sanctuary, but died due to the severity of his condition and neglect.

Doris was also suffering from diarrhoea, was emaciated and had bad rain scald along her back, a skin condition caused by poor care.

Doris recently travelled to World Horse Welfare's Hall Farm Rescue and Re-homing Centre where she is now in the charity's ownership and the other filly is receiving care locally.

Mr Jackson said: 'Whilst Jimmy did have a microchip, this was registered to a past owner and so we are keen to find out who is responsible for these horses and for the appalling acts of abandoning them in this way.

'If anyone has any information or has seen anything suspicious I urge them to come forward. Every piece of information can help us in finding out who is responsible and prevent more horses ending up in a similar situation.

'Castle Acre appears to be a dumping ground with other colts being left over the last few months. It has to be stopped.'

Anyone with any information should call World Horse Welfare 08000 480 180 or the RSPCA 24/7 Cruelty Line on 0300 1234 999.