A dead horse has been found near a spot where another horse was abandoned late last year.

The body was in the bushes on Desborough Island, Weybridge, and was found on Tuesday, April 14.

It is not known why the animal was dumped there or what happened to it before it died.

Councillor Christine Elmer, for Walton South, said she had reported it to Elmbridge Council. The council said it was something the Environment Agency is dealing with.

An Environment Agency spokesman confirmed a dead horse had been found on the island and staff in the area were arranging for waste contractors to remove it.

The discovery of the horse sparked outrage and upset on the Facebook page set up for Dez, the pony found emaciated about a five minute walk from the site of the body, as horse and pony lovers said they were "heartbroken" and branded the actions "disgusting".

Questions were asked as to what could be done to prevent more animals being dumped in the area, such as CCTV installation.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said cases like this were not uncommon and the country was currently in a "horse crisis", with RSPCA and offer charities struggling to cope with the number of abandoned, neglected and abused horses.

She said they received about 500 complaints relating to horse welfare a week and said: "We are always really sad to hear of animals callously discarded in this way.

"Our biggest concern is whether the horse suffered before he died. Anyone with any information about how he died, or evidence that an animal welfare may have been committed should contact us on 0300 123 8018."