THE RSPCA has removed a dozen horses in its care from an equestrian centre following an incident in which a former racehorse was shot and left in a garden.

A spokesman for the charity said it had relocated the 12 horses over concerns about the incident at the GG Centre, in Raskelf, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, on October 15.

The seven-year-old horse, named Kit, had been leased from its owner and kept in the livery facility.

A spokeswoman for the charity said while the welfare of the 12 horses continued to be its priority, they were not removed over welfare issues.

She said: "The horse involved in the dispute was not in the care of the RSPCA and the veterinary surgeon who examined the body at the scene stated that it was put to sleep humanely, meaning no prosecution under animal welfare legislation can be taken.

"The RSPCA is sympathetic to the strength of feeling surrounding this incident and does not condone what happened.

"However, this is a police investigation and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."

Two men were arrested by police over the incident on October 16.

A 53-year-old man was released the same day without further action, and a 36-year-old man, from Raskelf, has been charged with one count of criminal damage and is due to appear at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 28.