The ISPCA are appealing for information after two horses were shot dead on the Cork / Limerick county border.

Responding to an urgent call, an ISPCA Inspector who attended the scene at Glenanaar, Ardpatrick, in Killmallock, found a dead horse lying on the side of the road. Another mare was running loose in a frantic state.

A third mare was discovered in a nearby field dying.

A veterinary examination revealed that both animals had been shot.

The third mare - who was uninjured but traumatised - was taken into care.

According to the ISPCA’s Chief Inspector Conor Dowling, “at this point in time we do not know how the horses came to be in this position. None are identifiable as they were not microchipped."

The ISPCA is appealing to anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or Killmallock Garda Station.