WARNING: 'Upsetting' images of dead horses found in Dublin posted to highlight 'serious issue'

The Facebook post that comes with a warning that the “images are upsetting and of a sensitive nature” show the skeletal remains of one horse and the carcass of another.

The welfare unit has written under the post: “Yesterday we removed the bodies of four dead horses on Dublin City Council land in Park West on the northern fringe of Ballyfermot.

“The horses were there for quite a long period of time. As soon as we received the report we arranged for the immediate removal of the horses.

"We are posting this to demonstrate the unfortunate circumstances and results of issues with horse ownership and horse welfare in Dublin City Council.

“Please before you become a horse owner, ensure you have a place to keep your horse safe and happy, well-nourished and loved for the entirety of their life.”

The My Lovely Horse Rescue charity which has been engaged in an ongoing effort to rescue and rehome animals all over the country described the images as “awful”, adding “this is a serious issue all over this country”.

“Dublin City Council Animal Welfare Unit are a first within a council and MLHR are working with this unit to help, educate and stop the abuse, neglect and suffering of equines and other animals in Dublin City,” they posted.

“It’s out of control. The government, department of agriculture need to step up too and support DCC, gardai and rescues (services).

"Summer is nearly here and many foals being born, some with no value, their fate worse than death.

"Prosecutions need to be enforced, (along with) huge fines, enforced chipping and passporting. No more excuses like: ‘I sold it, not my problem’, tolerated.”