An investigation's been launched after a horse was beaten in Wicklow.
Witnesses say they saw a group of men kicking the horse, while trying to release eight of them into a field.
When the horse refused to move, the driver of the horsebox accelerated sharply, causing the horse to tumble out and break its legs.
A vet was called to the scene at around 6.30PM on Sunday evening, and the horse was put down.
Its young foal stood over its dead body until local residents covered it in a sheet, and called for it to be taken away.
Local Councillor Pat Kavanagh says children playing in the area witnessed the animal being killed.
She's calling on anyone who is aware of animals being abused or mistreated to contact the Gardai or animal welfare groups.
Just last week a horse which had died in Tallaght was burned in a field,while three other horses stood nearby.
