Battle to save nearly 100 horses after 31 animals are found dead in field

A major rescue operation was under way last night to save nearly 100 horses, ponies and donkeys believed to be the victims of "horrific" cruelty, after 31 animals were found dead in a field.

Animal welfare workers were shocked by the cruelty, with the survivors "emaciated and poorly treated".

3 more horses had to be humanely destroyed and 14 were taken away by the police on Veterinary advice. 8 horseboxes provided by Redwings help to transport the remaining 84 animals to secure locations.

The gruesome scene was discovered by the RSPCA on Friday after a tip-off from the member or public. It is believed that the field in Amersham, Bucks was a horse-dealing business. A man Mr James John Gray, 44, was arrested on the day on suspicion of causing criminal damage and assaulting a police officer. He has been charged and bailed and will appear before Aylesbury magistrates on Monday.

Help the suffering horses by donating: To donate to Redwings go to www.redwings.org.uk, and click on the Donate now button on the left-hand side of the homepage, then follow the instructions.

To donate to ILPH go to www.ilph.org and click on Donate online to the ILPH at the bottom of the homepage, then follow the instructions.

The other three charities involved in the rescue were the RSPCA (www.rspca.org.uk), Blue Cross (www.bluecross.org.uk) and The Horse Trust (www.homeofrestforhorses.co.uk). They also accept online donations.