The ISPCA is warning horse owners to properly update ownership details after a former racehorse was found starving and close to death. The horse - whose racing name was 'Suspect' - was discovered on vacant land in Athlone in Co. Westmeath in November.

The horse was so emaciated he could barely stand before being rescued by ISPCA Inspector Karen Lyons. She found him discarded on disused development land in the Athlone area after a call was made to the ISPCA confidential animal cruelty helpline by a concerned member of the public.

Cisco is now said to be doing well

While his registered owner was located, it has been claimed that he was sold at the Banagher Fair last September. The ISPCA says efforts to establish who was responsible for his care are on-going and so far proving unsuccessful.

But details on his micro-chip confirmed he was a racehorse.

He was due to run in Roscommon in May of last year, but was withdrawn due to injury. Cisco was taken to the ISPCA National Animal Centre for urgent veterinary care and rehabilitation and has made a good recovery.

ISPCA CEO Dr. Andrew Kelly believes the horse, who has now been re-named 'Cisco', was abandoned after his racing career ended because of injury.