TWO ponies have been found dead in Ryedale.

The bodies were found on farmland in Buttercrambe on Sunday, January 14.

The emaciated ponies had been dragged by ropes around their legs, according to the RSPCA.

A local resident discovered the grey mare and young dark bay pony whilst walking on land near Buttercrambe Road, and called the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell who is investigating said: "Finding two dead horses would be extremely upsetting for most people, but these poor ponies’ bodies are also in a distressing state.

"The young pony was emaciated and the grey mare had blood around her nose, and both had ropes tied around their feet. 

"It’s very upsetting to think what these ponies went through before their death, so I am very keen to hear from anyone who might have some information about where they have come from, who owns them, and who dumped them like this.

"This is something we have seen frequently since the horse crisis began, and in our experience, ropes tied around the horses’ feet means they have most likely been dragged from the back of a vehicle to be dumped away from where they were being kept.

"Sadly, this upsetting find is not uncommon. During the last few years we have been called about the bodies of horses and ponies dumped like this in locations up and down the country, and more often than not they are not microchipped so we have no way of tracing an owner.

"Whether it happens because it is costly to dispose of a dead horse, or just a very callous attitude from owners who believe horses are simply disposable, it is completely unacceptable.

"Anyone with any information should contact us as soon as possible by calling our inspector’s appeal line number on 0300 123 8018."

The RSPCA said it is still seeing the effects of the ongoing 'horse crisis' which it said has been going on for several years now and still appears to be gaining momentum.

Today, the charity is looking after more than 850 horses, ponies and donkeys that inspectors have rescued.