Appeal for information after horse found dead at Appleby Horse Fair
RSPCA seeks public help regarding the horse's suspicious death
Animal welfare officers are seeking information after a piebald gelding was found dead at Appleby Horse Fair in Brampton.
On 6th June 2026, officers attended a grass verge on the unnamed road from the south into Brampton at 12.40pm, assisted by vets, fire and rescue officers, and police.
The horse, aged between five and seven according to vets, had distinctive white and black markings and was approximately 14hh.
It was not shod and appeared to have been recently gelded.
Officers discovered what looked like a trader's mark on the horse's body, which had been altered, possibly to disguise the trader's identity.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Lyndsey Taylor commented on the situation.
"This is a very upsetting incident.
"At the moment we don’t know the cause of this horse’s death, but it seems as though he may have died in suspicious circumstances.
"We are looking for evidence of him being worked, handled or traded and want to hear from the person responsible for him, or anyone who can help us to identify them.
"Do you know what colour sulky or tack was he wearing? Was he tied to a horsebox? Can you give us any number plates associated with him if he’s been pulled off a lorry?
"If you have any information that will lead us to establish what happened to this horse, please approach an RSPCA or police officer or call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and quote incident number 01822356."