Several horses found living in squalid and filthy conditions with no food or water

Several horses have been found living in squalid and filthy conditions in a barn without any food and water.

Shocking footage filmed by an animal-lover uncovered the horrific state the horses had been kept in for what is believed to be several weeks.

Heartbreaking images show the badly emaciated animals at the stables in Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, before they were rescued on Saturday.

A local farmer stumbled across the distressing scene and contacted local stable users who rushed to provide water and food.

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Horse owner Jade Murphy, 28, filmed the shocking footage on her mobile phone – which included the carcass of one horse – before contacting the RSPCA.

The mum-of-three, from Bromsgrove, said: ‘The horses were skin and bone and they were knee-high deep in their own faeces. It was heart-breaking.

‘They had rugs on despite the heat and there was no food or water.

‘One of them was lying dead on the floor and there were three more locked in the same stable with it. They must have been traumatised.

‘There was a mare and foal in another stable and the foal was emaciated. It was walking on its heels because its feet were deformed.

‘It’s such a horrific start in life. They were all very dehydrated. I don’t know how anybody could leave animals in that way.

‘It is cruel beyond belief. There were 17 horses in total as there were others in the field nearby which was also filthy.

‘I’ve been told six of them have been put down while ten others have been taken away to Wales. Its such a sad story.’

The RSPCA confirmed that some of the horses had previously been rescued, and were understood to be undergoing veterinary treatment.

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A spokesman said: ‘We responded to reports about these horses within hours of being called about them and took a vet to the scene.

‘These horses had previously been rescued with various health issues and we understand they were under veterinary care with the hope they would recover.

‘The horses are currently being looked after by the RSPCA after they were voluntarily signed over into our care. Some of these horses were in good condition.’

They have since added: ‘There are a few misunderstandings circulating we’d like to address. This premises is not an RSPCA boarding establishment and the horses in the photos and video were not previously rescued by the RSPCA.

‘Claims the RSPCA has put to sleep seven horses are also not true.

‘We would like to thank members of the public who have raised concerns about these horses and those who have offered to help with their care.

‘We cannot go into any further detail at this time as our work is ongoing.’