A woman has been left sickened after discovering a dead horse while on a walk.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, found the animal in East Stratton, just off the M3 near Micheldever.

Speaking to The Gazette, the Chronicle's sister paper, she said: “The pony had a lead rope around its neck so looks like it was dragged and put there. Being a horse rider myself, it was seriously disturbing to find.

“A lot of people walk along where it was found which just makes it even worse.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

She continued: “I felt physically sick. I spoke to someone who works for a vet who is reporting it for me. It is the second one I have come across in the last year.”

The last one she found was dumped around three miles away in Woodmancott.

“They were found fairly close to each other,” she said.

When asked why she believed this was happening, she said: “It is probably down to a lack of care. People don’t want to pay to get them taken away so they ditch them.”

The RSPCA has been contacted for comment.

According to Horse and Hound magazine, a number of horses and ponies are being found abandoned at locations around the country. 

In some cases they are left on private land, in others they are being fly-grazed on council land without permission.

It is a problem that equine welfare charities have been dealing with for a number of years, with the situation worsening during the recession.

The government advises anyone who comes across a dead animal to report it to their local council.

And if the individual hits a horse, they must stop and contact police to report the accident. Failing to do so is illegal. 

To report an injured animal in the UK, residents can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.