The carcass of a horse was discovered in Wicklow town yesterday afternoon.
The grizzly discovery was made just off the Greenhill Road, in the Broad Lough View estate at around 4.30pm.
The horse had apparently starved to death.
This is the latest in a long line of incidents relating to horse welfare in Wicklow, with a number of high-profile stories making headlines nationwide.
At the beginning of December a horse had to be put down by a vet after it was beaten by a group of men in the Ballyguile area of the town. No arrests have been made.
63 unclaimed horses were then euthanised a week later after being rounded up in the same area.
Garda operations in the area have continued and four unchipped horses were rounded up and impounded last Wednesday.
Local Councillor Pat Kavanagh said she was appalled at the latest discovery and has urged anyone who cannot look after their horses to get in contact with her.
“Whoever has a horse or horses that they can’t afford to register or look after, there is help available to feed them and do the paperwork,” Cllr Kavanagh said. “No horse should be left to starve to death. If anyone needs help they can phone me at 087 2771871.”
