The police in Derry seized three loose ponies
The police in Londonderry have seized two neglected ponies and a foal which were running free on the road in the Ballyarnett area.
The two ponies, one of which has a large open wound, are in such poor condition they may not survive.
The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have taken them away to be cared for.
The ownership of the animals has not been established.
A USPCA spokesperson, David Wilson, said: "The two ponies, when we took the coats off, they were in a very poor condition.
"One of them had a very bad gash to the stomach.
"The future of those animals is in doubt."
The PSNI's Foyle City North Neighbourhood Team seized the ponies last week, but details have just been released.
Neighbourhood officer Constable Paddy Buckley said his team had responded to concerns from the community as loose animals could have caused accidents on the road.
"When we found the ponies they were in an appalling state and quite obviously needed veterinary care," he said.
- Published17 March 2011
- Published24 September 2010
