A DEAD horse left to rot in a field for five weeks is due to be removed this weekend.

Concerned residents of Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, said the horse died after giving birth but was left to decompose.

One, who did not want to be named, said she became concerned for dog walkers and families who walk through the field.

She shared her concerns with Environmental Health and the RSPCA and said the problem was an annual occurrence.

“The horse died five weeks ago this weekend and it’s a concern especially now it’s getting warmer. It’s going to decay and the smell last year was horrendous.”

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at Durham County Council, said: “Since being made aware of the issue, we have spoken to the landowner, who has agreed to make arrangements to properly dispose of the animal.

“The landowner has advised us that gaining access to the site with suitable lifting equipment has been hindered by the recent bad weather, and resulting soft ground conditions.

“We will make a further visit to the site after the bank holiday weekend to assess what progress has been made, and formal enforcement procedures may then be implemented if the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved.”