A CARCASS and three emaciated horses were discovered without food or water, living in their own faeces, in a barn in Stoke Prior.

The barn, in Astwood Lane, was uncovered by a farmer on Saturday (July 14) after horses from a neighbouring field escaped onto his land. The farmer then contacted local stable users who rushed to the horses' aid with buckets of water and hay.

Horse owner Jade Murphy, who filmed the shocking scenes on her mobile phone, said: "The horses were skin and bone and they were knee-high deep in their own poo. It was heart-breaking.

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"They had rugs on despite the heat and there was no food or water so they were eating their own faeces.

"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."

Another horse owner, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "The field next to the stables was completely filthy too. I've never seen so much horse poo in one field in my life. It's an absolute disgrace."

It is believed there were 17 horses in total.

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

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."