FIVE dead horses have been found dumped in a field by a man walking his dog.

Colin Waite, of Crook, spotted the decimated animals near the River Wear, at Witton Park, Bishop Auckland, at the weekend and called the police.

The horses were removed today (Monday, March 25).

Mr Wait said he was left shocked when he spotted the animals.

“I walk my dog down there quite a lot, as do a lot of people,” he said. “I am glad I found them and it was not kids. The horses were in a bad state.

“I think they may have been dumped when we had the bad weather on Friday and Saturday as they were not there on Thursday.

“It was horrible to see. Someone must know who they belonged to. I am pleased they have been removed now.”

Durham Police is not investigating the incident unless it receives a request for help from the RSPCA.