REGULAR visitors to a popular woodland trail have expressed their disgust after a dead horse was left lying in the road for almost five days. The bay and white filly, about a year old, was discovered by walkers on Thursday afternoon, on a bridleway off W

REGULAR visitors to a popular woodland trail have expressed their disgust after a dead horse was left lying in the road for almost five days.

The bay and white filly, about a year old, was discovered by walkers on Thursday afternoon, on a bridleway off Wildhill Road, Woodside, near Hatfield.

Despite several calls to the police, RSPCA and borough and county councils, the animal was only removed yesterday morning (Tuesday).

Evelyn Adams, manager of nearby Woodside Livery Yard, said: "It looks like it's been dumped. You can clearly see tyre tracks.

"We contacted the police, who said they could do nothing about it and we contacted the council on numerous occasions. Nobody wants to take responsibility for it.

"There was blood coming from its nose and injuries to its knees."

Nicola Lowry, who regularly rides her own horse around the area, said: "It's sick that no one wants to take responsibility for this. It's disgusting, to treat an animal as if it's some rubbish."

Pc Jo Wakelen said there was no foul play involved, and that the horse was probably dumped because of the cost involved in having a dead horse removed professionally.

Police have asked anyone with information to call 0845 330 222.