The gardai are involved in an investigation into the death of a horse after it became trapped in a drain in Co. Offaly.

The skewbald trotter was found chest deep in a drain near the Grand Canal outside Edenderry in a very weak and almost hypothermic state.

An ISPCA Inspector and volunteers spent eight hours fighting to save her life. Veterinary first aid was administered and the horse was dried off and kept warm. She even ate some food that was offered.

But eventually had to put the horse down. The ISPCA says they have been in contact with the gardai because she was in very poor physical condition and they are trying to trace the owner.

"It was not the outcome we had hoped for" said Inspector Michael Keane. "When we got her out of the water we were optimistic that we could save her, but unfortunately it wasn't to be".

"It got to the stage that continuing the rescue effort was only prolonging her suffering so a decision was made to euthanize her on humane grounds" he added..

The ISPCA say although she was not micro-chipped, a definite line of inquiry is being followed in an effort to identify the owner.