Cruel horse owners dumped a foal and left it to die in a Derbyshire field

The poor black and white piebald male foal was found collapsed in a stable on land off Staveley Road near to Tom Lane, in Duckmanton, near Chesterfield on Thursday (May 16)

It is believed the foal, which was not microchipped, was dumped sometime between Wednesday night and 10am on Thursday morning when he was discovered, so he could have been in a suffering state for many hours.

Nicola Dixon was horrified to discover the foal lying in a shelter on the field she rents for her own two horses.

After desperate attempts to save its life over six hours, the poor creature estimated to be about a week old was put to sleep by a vet.

Mum of two Nicola, 44 said:”We came up to the field at 9.30am and we found the poor thing dumped in one of our shelters.

“We rang the RSPCA and Spire vets came, along with a lady from a horse rescue in Doncaster.

“What can you say - it was awful.

“It’s like dumping a baby.

“We were desperate for help and everyone rallied round to save it .

“The vets gave us advice and then came through - everyone was brilliant .

“It still had a heart beat but the poor thing just shut down. The vet did the best thing and put him to sleep

“If we had got there earlier we may have been able to save it, who knows?

“We did our best.

“Who could do such a thing - there is either a mare out there wondering where her baby has gone or another dead horse.”

RSPCA Inspector Rachel Leafe said: ““It is so sad to think he was left to die cold and alone and it was so unnecessary when veterinary treatment or help from charities like the RSPCA is available.

“I think the foal was probably born with an infection and as treatment was never sought his health deteriorated rapidly.” Anyone with information call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.