A pony had hair pulled from its mane and tail before it was dragged into a canal and left to drown.
RSPCA inspectors who examined the dead pony say they found clumps of its hair on the ground as well as drag marks leading to the water’s edge.
They believe the animal made a desperate struggle for life as it was dumped in the freezing water at Rugby, Warwickshire.
Dog walkers made the shocking discovery in the canal running between Brinklow and Newbold.