AN investigation has been launched after two dead foals were dumped by the side of the road in Hampshire.

The young horses were discovered by a passer-by who initially thought they had discovered a pile of fly-tipped rubbish. They were found on Jervis Court Lane in Swanmore at around 8.30am on Tuesday.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation in a bid to trace those responsible and have released an image of the foals as they were found to urge people to come forward with information.

RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward said: “Sadly they were just dumped on a lane and covered with a tarpaulin.

“The person who found them just thought it was fly tipping but when she lifted the tarpaulin she found the foals. It’s horrible to think what a horrid short and likely painful life they had.

“Unfortunately we can’t trace the owner as one of the foals was microchipped but not registered to anyone and the other wasn’t chipped at all.

“This is why it’s so important that anyone with any information about how they died, or evidence that an animal welfare offence may have been committed, should contact us on 0300 123 8018.”