RSPCA officials have allayed concerns about the condition of horses being kept on the Cambridge estate.

The animals in question, including a number of pregnant mares, are on fields by Lisker Driver.

Some local householders contacted the organisation worried by the "very poor" state of the pasture available and the apparent lack of a fresh water supply.

The RSPCA, however, has been out to the site a number of times now in response to calls from the public, and not found any cause for action.

A spokesman said: "The RSPCA is aware of concerns about equines at Lisker Drive and an inspector has attended on several occasions to check the condition of the animals.

"The most recent visit was last week following a call on the Monday evening.

"The inspector found two tethered horses that were lean, but healthy. They also had access to water, via a supply in the corner of the field, which is not easily visible from publicly-accessible land.

"The RSPCA has no power to remove an animal from private property. This can only be done by other agencies with the support of veterinary opinion that an animal is suffering."

Residents, though, say that has done little to reassure them.

One, who did not want to be named, said: "Some of us did see the RSPCA inspector out talking to the owner but I am still very concerned about the animals.

"Some of them look too thin and their coats are in a bad condition.

"The pasture on the field is very, very poor, even though there were a lot of heavily-pregnant horses on there recently.

"And we've been putting water out for them as the only supply we can see looks to have foul stuff in it and is surrounded by mud."

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