A HORSE has been put down after being repeatedly stabbed with a knife.

A passer-by alerted police after seeing the three-year-old black and white gelding on the loose and bleeding in Osbaldwick, York at 7am today (Monday).

Vets and RSPCA officers found the cob-type horse near a travellers site and it had five puncture wounds.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the owner of the horse remained unknown and it remained unclear if the attack was part of a vendetta.

She said: "The horse was put to sleep at the scene on the advice of the attending vet to prevent further suffering.

"He was wearing a head-collar and tether strap so had been tethered and either released or had escaped from it.

"What sort of person would do that to an animal that can't defend itself?"

The maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is six months' jail.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the RSPCA on 0300-1234-999.