A horse has been rescued in north Dublin after being set on fire.

Gardaí and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) found the horse to be in “poor condition” today.

The young stallion was malnourished and suffering from injuries “consistent with being set alight."

He was moved to the DSPCA Rescue Centre and has been examined by the veterinary team. He is suffering from burns on his face and neck with a burnt mane and eye lashes.

The case is under investigation by the Gardai in Coolock Station and the DSPCA. pic.twitter.com/Dk1bGi7NRY

— DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) July 21, 2020

DSPCA spokesperson Gillian Bird said it is likely the horse was deliberately set on fire.

"When they arrived, they found the animal to be in quite a bad condition,” she said. “He's very underweight.

"Also, he has injuries consistent with being set alight. So the horse has some quite serious burns on its face, the mane and the front between the ears are all burnt away and he's in quite a bit of pain, the poor animal."

He was taken to the DSPCA Rescue Centre where he is being treated for burns on his face and neck as well as a burnt mane and eye lashes.

Gardaí and the DSPCA are both investigating the suspected attack. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Coolock Garda Station on 01 6664200 or email inspectors@dspca.ie.