Updated: Friday, July 20

A MAN has been arrested after 18 malnourished horses and ponies were found starving in sheds in Herefordshire.

Two of the animals were so ill they had to be put down. This morning (Friday) police revealed that the animals were found near Bromyard following a tip off from a member of the public.

The surviving horses are now receiving veterinary treatment at the Bransby Home of Rest for Horsesin Stoke Prior, near Leominster .

PC Jan Thompson from Leominster police station is now looking for other cases of cruelty to horses in the Bromyard area and would like to hear from anyone who knows of any other locations locally - such as barns or paddocks - where large groups of horses and ponies are being kept in a poor state. All information passed onto police will be treated in confidence.

Anyone who suspects any incidents of animal cruelty can also call Leominster police station on 0300 333 3000 quoting 497S 100712.

  • A man in his 40s was arrested on July 11 and interviewed in connection with offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 regarding the horses seized in this incident. He was later released on police bail, pending further inquiries.