Eight-hour rescue attempt to free horse trapped in drain

ISPCA volunteers spent eight hours trying, but tragically failing, to save a horse found trapped in a drain.

The horse, a skewbald Trotter, was discovered chest deep in a drain near the Grand Canal outside Edenderry, Co Offaly.

The rescuers managed to get the animal out of the water, but it was in a very weakened, borderline hypothermic state

Once the horse was taken from the water, the rescue team realised she was in a very poor physical condition.

Veterinary first aid was given and the horse was dried off and kept warm. She ate some food, but, while she made some attempts to get to her feet, she soon weakened and was put to sleep.

"It was not the outcome we had hoped for," said ISPCA Inspector Michael Keane of the attempted rescue, which happened on Monday.

"When we got her out of the water we were optimistic that we could save her, but unfortunately it wasn't to be.

"It got to the stage that continuing the rescue effort was only prolonging her suffering so a decision was made to euthanize her on humane grounds."

The ISPCA have been in contact with the local Gardaí regarding the condition of the animal.

Although she was not micro-chipped, a definite line of inquiry is being followed in an effort to identify the owner.

"There is no doubt," said Keane "that the condition of the horse contributed to her becoming stuck in this position in the first place and limited her chances of surviving the ordeal."

Gardaí and the ISPCA are investigating the death of the horse.