Drivers caught on drugs and animal cruelty probe at Appleby Horse Fair

Europe's largest gypsy gathering has seen a spate of drug drivers stopped by police, with the RSPCA also probing animal cruelty accusations.

Police have revealed there were 49 arrests in the days leading up to the fair opening and drug driving had been 'a theme'.

The RSPCA is also investigating reports of animal cruelty, including two ponies being abandoned by the roadside in a Cumbrian village close to where Appleby Horse Fair is underway.

A member of the public also reported a horse being beaten and anti cruelty investigators have launched a probe.

Cumbria Police Superintendent Daniel St Quintin, Gold Commander for the fair, said: 'The most serious arrests we had yesterday were two drug drivers.

Drivers caught on drugs and animal cruelty probe at Appleby Horse Fair

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