A HORSE'S head was found in a burn in Bellshill prompting an investigation by an animal charity.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted by the police after a member of public found the head on Monday, March 19.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Jack Marshall said: “We can’t be sure of the circumstances surrounding this horse’s death, but if someone has done this as a deliberate act of cruelty then this is sickening.

“The head was found in the burn near the junction between Carnbroe Road and Rosebank Road.

“We’re urging anyone with information to contact our animal helpline in confidence.”

Allowing an animal to be caused unnecessary suffering is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Police Scotland said they were not investigating further. 

The British Horse Society's Director of Welfare, Gemma Stanford said: “This is quite clearly a horrendous incident, and at the BHS we have never seen anything like this before. Although this seems to be an isolated incident, it is not uncommon for dead horses to be abandoned. We would urge anyone with any information, to come forward and contact the Scottish SPCA.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

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