A COUNCIL has launched an investigation after three horses were found dead near a Catholic church in Co Tyrone.
The horses were discovered over the weekend in Coalisland.
More than a dozen living horses were also in the enclosure in fields to the rear of St Mary and St Joseph's Church in Brackaville.
Lucy McCready (37), from Dungannon, said she was shocked when she discovered the dead horses while out for a walk.
"There were three horses dead. One was a mare and she looked like she was foaling," she said.
"I am disgusted that people are keeping animals like that. This is not the first time that this has happened and I think something should be done about it."
Ms McCready, who works at the Royal School in Dungannon, said she contacted the council about her discovery, which is also near to a Travellers' site in Coalisland.
A Mid Ulster council spokeswoman said its animal welfare officer would investigate the matter after a report was received yesterday morning.
Meanwhile, a £1,000 reward has been offered for the safe return of a heavily pregnant mare who was stolen from an animal sanctuary earlier this month.
River, a piebald mare, was stolen from Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary in Antrim.
She was taken from a field between 10pm on July 1 and 8am on July 2.
One of the charity's supporters has offered a £1,000 reward for her safe return.
The sanctuary said the heavily pregnant River and her foal were rescued from "certain death" only a few weeks before she was stolen.
She has not yet weaned her yearling foal.
"He is very distressed at the cruel and sudden separation from his mother and it is hoped that this stress will not have a detrimental effect on River’s unborn foal," the charity said.
Sanctuary manager Lyn Friel said River may have been moved to the Republic or Britain.
"She has been illegally removed from a place of safety and in this heat and in her pregnant condition, she is in grave danger unless properly looked after," she said.
"She may have had her foal by now and we appeal to the public to help us find her. Please keep looking at your local sales, websites and auctions for River who may be with a foal or on her own."
Anyone with information about River's whereabouts is asked to contact the animal sanctuary on 9446 5384 or via www.crosskennanlane.org.uk
Police are investigating the theft.
