AN ANIMAL WELFARE charity has appealed for witnesses after a heavily pregnant horse died hours after being “left for dead” on a busy Dublin road.

Yesterday, My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue attended to reports of a collapsed horse on the N4 by Ballyfermot.

The charity said the horse, known as Anne, had been spotted near Dollymount Strand earlier in the day and that it may have been involved in a race.

It’s alleged that her owners fled from the scene when the horse didn’t get up after collapsing on the N4.

The animal welfare charity said the horse had “severe and deep” wounds and had “skidded along the road” after collapsing.

The charity said it has received reports that Anne had collapsed around an hour before being abandoned on the N4.

My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue sought assistance from a vet at UCD, where the horse was assessed.

However, the charity today announced that Anne had been put to sleep as a result of her “severe internal injuries”.

The charity added that Anne was heavily pregnant and that the unborn foal also died.

My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue also stated that the incident “represents a serious public safety risk, not just an animal welfare issue”.

“A collapsing horse on a public road is an extreme danger to motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and emergency services,” a spokesperson said.

The animal welfare charity has appealed for CCTV footage or dashcam footage from locations between Dollymount Strand and the Ballyfermot/N4 area.

“We will not stop until those responsible are held accountable,” the spokesperson said. “Anne and her unborn foal deserve justice.”

My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue said it is “actively engaged with An Garda Síochána” and The Journal has approached the Garda Press Office for comment.