The RSPCA is to investigate after a horse tethered on a verge near Monks Cross was found dead (The Press, June 29).

Why has it taken the death of a horse to make them do something about a longstanding problem?

The horse in question was only on a short tether, and appears to have strangled itself by wrapping the chain round its neck. There are large numbers of horses tethered by roadsides in this locality.

Why have the police, the RSPCA and the council not stopped this? Why on earth should anyone be allowed to tie up a horse by the side of a busy road? It is hard to imagine anything more cruel, inhumane or barbaric than the tethering of horses in this way.

Not only do these animals have to withstand a constant stream of traffic hurtling by, they are without shelter from the extremes of weather and often without adequate food, water or veterinary treatment.

Not only is this an animal health issue, when these horses escape on to the roads, which they often do, they run the risk of causing a serious accident. It is time to stop horses being tethered next to busy roads.

Peter Broadley, Holtby, York.