Six Crowborough horses taken into care after concerns raised

The RSPCA confirmed it attended the site in Hadlow Down Road, Crowborough, on November 21.

A spokesman said: “Three horses are now in RSPCA care and another three are being cared for by a local equine charity.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may or may not have been taken.

“We understand how frustrating this is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future prosecution or could lead to us being fined.”

The spokesman said the charity was grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to them.

They added: “We would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.

“A lot of the time issues will be dealt with by advice and education and it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons.”

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service was sent to assist with the rescue of one of the horses.

Station Manager Pup Upton said: “Our specialist animal rescue team, based at Crowborough, used a Mercedes Unimog Mounted Crane to lift a horse to its feet. The incident was left with both the RSPCA and a vet.”