"We feel we're chipping at the top of an iceberg." Those are the words of Andrew Quinn from Waterford Animal Welfare.
It comes after a horse had to be taken away for treatment when it collapsed while pulling a sulky on the Airport Road in Waterford last Saturday.
The next day another horse had to be seized that was in urgent need of care because of how malnourished she was.
"We feel that in some cases [animal cruelty in Ireland] is actually going backwards," Andrew told Déise Today earlier.
"The amount of abuse and neglect out there is just horrendous.
"Trying to stay on top of that is a tough job for any rescue.
"People are more aware of the needs of animals but has animal welfare got better in this country? I don't think so."
The yearling that was seized on Saturday, was found to have numerous injuries including a very bad head injury, which meant he was also suffering from concussion.
However, Kevin - as he has affectionately been renamed by those who are now caring from him - is now standing of his own accord, is eating grass, and is able to take his daily medication.
It's understood he will make a full recovery.
Unfortunately, it is not known whether or not the horse seized on Sunday will survive.
"As horses are scored, she is a 1," Andrew said, "[The photo] is on our Facebook. People need to see what can happen if an animal goes unattended.
"... She is really, really, really bad. We had her up with an equine specialist on Wednesday.
"They took all the samples and the results will determine whether we continue medications or not.
"... If someone is being deliberately cruel to their animals... Let them be reincarnated as a horse or a dog in that situation and see what it's like."
Andrew says there can also be incidents whereby an animal owner is unaware that what they are doing is detrimental to the welfare of their animal.
Giving an example, he said cut grass can be extremely dangerous if ingested by a horse.
"There are a lot of well-intentioned animal people out there and they look at horses behind gates. Whatever else you do - feed them hay, feed them carrots, etc - do not dump your cut grass at their gates.
"It is highly toxic and it can kill them.
"So, well-intentioned people are doing it. They think, 'Sure, the horse can have that. He needs it.'
"Don't do it. Please."
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