A young pony abandoned on the side of a mountain is now making strides in its recovery.
It was spotted struggling to move by a member of the public at Sugarloaf in Wicklow.
ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling said he responded to the call to the National Animal Cruelty Helpline.
He added: “The pony, now named Petal, was struggling to walk and every step she took caused her pain.
“I needed to act immediately to get her to safety so I contacted the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.
“I was several hours on the mountain but it was so worthwhile to see Petal safe and to know she would get the veterinary care and pain relief she urgently needed.”
