An investigation was under way last night after the carcasses of several animals were discovered at stables in the North-East.

RSPCA inspectors broke into the premises in Trimdon, County Durham, and made the grisly find.

They found 13 dead horses, 11 birds, three dogs and a rabbit at the stables.

The bones of other horses and dogs are also said to have been discovered there.

Inspector Mark Gent said last night: "Ourselves and our colleagues have been up there quite a lot.

"We have got vets having a look at the animals and there are a lot of tests that need to be carried out.

"We can't say at this stage what has caused their deaths, but we are currently investigating."

The RSPCA received a call about the situation last Sunday and launched its investigations later the same day.

Anybody with information should contact the charity on 08705 555999.