Acid attack on horse leaves animal with horrific injuries

Warning: Story below features graphic images of horse's injuries following suspected acid attack

A horse suffering from horrific facial burns is believed to have had acid deliberately thrown in its face before being abandoned.

The animal, now affectionately known as Cinders, was found dumped in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, by a member of the public.

Her injuries were so severe that she was left unable to open her eyes and was taken to Rainbow Equine Hospital in Yorkshire by the RSPCA where she is recovering after having intensive treatment.

Vets say they are confident the horse's injuries were caused by a chemical being thrown in her face deliberately.

"We believe the horse was deliberately dumped after its injuries had been inflicted," said vet Dave Rendle. "It was dumped at a private yard so we assume whoever dumped it was hoping it would be found and receive treatment. But for whatever reason, they weren’t prepared to organise this treatment themselves.

"She was very weak, stressed, thin and dirty when she arrived at the hospital but has coped extremely well here. We hope she will make a full recovery and find a nice private home where she will be cared for."

Cinders will undergo further surgery next week (Rainbow Equine Hospital)

An online fundraising page set up by the hospital to raise money for Cinders’ treatment reported that the horse, believed to be around eight months old, was making good progress.

“When she arrived at the hospital she was very weak and was unable to open her eyes due to severe burns affecting her eyelids,” the fundraising page said. “Her face was cleaned and the areas of dead skin carefully removed to reduce the risk of infection.

“She was anaemic due to the ongoing blood loss and a heavy burden of skin of intestinal parasites. Her facial injuries will take time to heal but she is making very good progress.”

A further update shared on the hospital’s Facebook page on Sunday said Cinders was relaxing and eating and was “blissfully unaware” of preparations ahead of her second surgery next week.

Cinders was found on the same day the RSPCA revealed the number of horses rescued by the charity had reached “crisis point” at a four-year high after they rescued almost 1,000 in England and Wales last year.

The charity said owners would often “fly-tip” horses rather than pay for veterinary care or to put the animal to sleep.

A family cat was also left fighting for its life on Tuesday after what was thought to be an acid attack in Exeter, Devon.

Anyone with information about the incident involving Cinders is asked to contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018.