Storm Desmond sees horse drown in floods

As Storm Desmond swept across the north of England, it’s not only human residents that are suffering. Horses have been caught in the flood – with devastating consequences.

Swept away

One horse died after being stranded in rising water, despite attempts to save her.

River Tyne in Northumberland burst its banks following heavy rain, which left Millie trapped in a flooded field on Saturday afternoon (5 December).

A member of the public tried to save her, but had to climb a tree to safety when he was swept away by the currents. The man was rescued by the fire service, but there were unable to reach the piebald mare.

The RSPCA also attended the scene along with the police, but the rescue had to be abandoned, as the water was deemed too dangerous.

Heartbreaking

The rescue team finally managed to reach Millie the following afternoon and drag her to safety, but sadly she passed away on dry land.

“It was literally seconds after she was pulled from the water,” local resident Kelly Graham told Chronicle Live. “It’s absolutely heartbreaking. We had been so relieved she had survived, then everyone just broke down.”