Tip-off leads RSPCA to carcasses of 32 horses

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The RSPCA found 32 dead horses after receiving a tip-off about an enclosure in Buckinghamshire. Almost 100 other animals were found at the site, which was described as a "horror story" by the Horse Trust.

More than 80 animals were removed from the site yesterday, where dozens of ponies, donkeys and horses had been found in an advanced state of neglect.

The RSPCA was given an anonymous tip-off about an unwell horse at the site, but had not anticipated the scale of cruelty its officers were about to find. With no food and water, rows of emaciated horses were found tethered in pens, standing among the carcasses of those that had not survived the grim conditions.

The scene of devastation that greeted rescuers has been described by some as the worst they have ever witnessed.

A 44-year-old man from Amersham was arrested by Thames Valley Police on Friday on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage. He was bailed until 14 January.