Tied horse has 'horrific injury'

The abandoned horse could not reach any grass to eat

A horse abandoned in an Oxfordshire field and tethered on a short rope suffered a "horrific injury" and could not reach any food, the RSPCA has said.

The bay-coloured male was found near junction 8a of the M40 in between Wheatley and Middle Ground on 3 July.

The horse, which is thought to be about two-years-old, was tied to a tree by a rope, which had cut into one of his legs as deep as the flesh and tendons.

The wound was infested with hundreds of maggots and the animal may not live.

The horse was also very thin and dehydrated, the RSPCA said.

Veterinary care

RSPCA inspectors and a field officer from World Horse Welfare believe the horse had been in the field for about two weeks.

"In this time the rope had been restraining him close to the tree, making it impossible for him to reach grass for grazing," the RSPCA spokesman said.

Thames Valley Police helped rescue the horse and took it into veterinary care.

RSPCA inspector Doug Davidson said: "This horse had been left tethered to this tree with no thought for his welfare and, as a result, he suffered a terrible injury.

"This incident highlights the dangers of tethering animals without monitoring them."

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals can face a maximum six months in prison and a £20,000 fine, the RSPCA said.