THE RSPCA is investigating after a dying pregnant horse was dumped by the side of the road in Orsett.

The charity was called about the Piebald breed of mare yesterday morning and arrived to find her already dead by the side of the busy Brentwood Road.

RSPCA inspector Rebecca Benson said: “The heart-breaking sight of this mare was reported to us by concerned passers-by.

“All the evidence points to her being still alive when she was dumped, and in the process of giving birth, but although I got there as soon as I could after we were called - she was already dead.

“We think she was probably abandoned in this sensitive state overnight the night before, perhaps to avoid getting expensive veterinary treatment.

“The poor mare would have been alone, in pain, and frightened by the traffic passing on the road, so close to her face.

“We don’t know if it was complications with her pregnancy which killed her, but it is desperately sad that she was left without any veterinary care in such an exposed spot and when she was at her most vulnerable.

“We urge anyone with any information about this incident to call us, in strictest confidence, on 0300 123 8018.”