Horses among hundreds of animals rescued in 'harrowing conditions'

Insp Rob Taylor, who leads the rural crime team, said all of the animals were in a "terrible condition"

North Wales Police Rural Crime Team A horse in a stable — Insp Rob Taylor, who leads the rural crime team, said all of the animals were in a "terrible condition"

Hundreds of animals kept in "harrowing conditions" have been rescued from land in Gwynedd.

More than 91 horses, 122 geese, ducks and chickens and three rabbits were removed from land in the Pwllheli area on Tuesday, North Wales Police said.

Two horses had to be put down, and a woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer.

Rob Taylor, from North Wales Rural Crime Team, described it as an "appalling day".

Sgt Rob Taylor said the conditions were "terrible"

North Wales Police Rural Crime Team Rats in a bucket — Sgt Rob Taylor said the conditions were "terrible"

One of the horses destroyed had suffered a broken leg when it was a foal, which had not been properly treated, leaving it lame for the whole of its adult life, police said. Another was blind.

The "large scale cruelty case" was a joint operation between the RSPCA and North Wales Police.

Mr Taylor said all the animals rescued were in a "terrible condition" but were now being cared for elsewhere.

"A truly harrowing day for all of the team and a case will be taken against the person responsible," he said.

"All cruelty is horrendous, but this rates on a high scale because of the numbers of animals involved."

The woman arrested has been released on police bail pending further investigation.

Dead horses under covers could be seen in photos taken by police at the scene

North Wales Police Rural Crime Team Trailer loaded with animals — Dead horses under covers could be seen in photos taken by police at the scene