Midnight The Foal Dies After Being Dumped In A Surrey Road And Hit By A Car

The RSPCA is appealing for information after an emaciated foal was dumped in a Surrey Lane and subsequently hit by a car.

The young black colt (male) foal (young horse/pony) was abandoned in an emaciated state in Roughets Lane, Bletchingley, Redhill. He was discovered by a member of the public just before midnight on Thursday (21 August), but it is not known how long he had been there or when he was dumped.

The RSPCA was called and the young horse, thought to be a Thoroughbred type, was collected by an RSPCA animal collection officer at about 1am and rushed to a specialist veterinary rehabilitation yard for treatment.

But despite round-the-clock monitoring and treatment including pain relief, antibiotics and a drip, the young creature, named Midnight by RSPCA staff, died on the morning of Friday 22 August.

It is thought Midnight died as a result of shock as his injuries appeared largely superficial. He was also suffering from hypothermia

RSPCA inspector Nicky Thorne, who is investigating the incident, said: "Whoever is responsible for abandoning this foal is a heartless coward and has no justification for doing so.

"If he was orphaned or they could no longer look after him for whatever reason, then practical help and advice could have been sought from a number of organisations, including the RSPCA.

"The ‘P' in RSPCA is for prevention and not prosecution so if people are struggling they should contact us for help and we will always try and work with them to resolve the situation.

This incident is particularly worrying as it is the third foal which has been abandoned since March this year in inspector Thorne's patch of Surrey.. The first foal, dumped in Chessington in March, survived. But a second foal abandoned near Eastbourne Road, Blindley Heath at the end of June was in a poor condition and subsequently died.

Inspector Thorne said:" I am extremely worried to see another young horse die after being dumped at the side of the road. Although we have no reason to suggest these incidents are linked in any way, it is a worrying trend. I would urge anyone who recognises this foal, or has information about who it belongs to, to contact the RSPCA so we can ensure no other equines suffer."
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the RSPCA's cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in strictest confidence.

See the article with photos of Midninght on our main site HERE