BARNSLEY Council is working to identify the owners of a dead pony and its foal after they were dumped in a lay-by near Goldthorpe.
The animals are believed to have been left on council-owned land, off the A635 Doncaster Road, in amongst fly-tipped waste at some point on Wednesday night.
Emma Barson, who posted an appeal for information on Facebook, said: “I am totally sickened by this appalling act of cruelty. The mother is no more than a young filly herself.
“If anyone has any information, contact Barnsley Council or Goldthorpe Police Station.”
The council confirmed that an investigation has been started and the ponies were removed by officers yesterday morning.
Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesman, said: “The council takes animal welfare very seriously - anyone who is cruel to or doesn’t care for an animal properly may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 or sent to prison.
“If you have any concerns about an animal being mistreated, please let us know at barnsley.gov.uk/animal-welfare.
“This has been a very sad incident and we are working to trace the owners. The ponies have now been removed and any information will be passed to the RSPCA.”
No-one from the RSPCA was available for comment.
