Horse dies after being set alight in Dublin

An abandoned horse has died after it was set alight in Dublin earlier today.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) said the animal died from extensive injuries after it was reportedly doused with petrol and set on fire.

The charity said the incident, which took place near the Luas line in Tallaght, was “one of the most horrific incidents” its inspectors have witnessed.

“Five other horses in the vicinity were moved to safety by agents of the local authority with Garda assistance,” the DSPCA said in a statement.

DSPCA chief Brian Gillen said: "The DSPCA is extremely concerned by what is a deeply sinister development.

“The horrendous death that this horse endured is unimaginable. Whilst we encounter many horrific cruelty and neglect cases with regard to abandoned horses, we have never seen such levels of deliberate and depraved cruelty.

He said the incident reinforces the plight of abandoned horses in the capital.

“We are asking all the local authorities to take immediate steps to put a stop to this barbaric behaviour with the removal of abandoned horses to safekeeping”, he added.

Gardaí are investigating today’s incident.