US Confirms Jets Were Flying Over Cornwall After Reports Of Horse Deaths

The US Air Force has confirmed that its F-15s were flying over Cornwall after it was reported that low-flying jets had scared horses so much that they had to be shot.

It was reported last week that at least four horses had to be put down.

The Ministry of Defence's Low Flying Complaints Enquiry Unit is now looking into the incident. 

F-15 jets are based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk and it has now been confirmed that two jets were flying over Cornwall at the time, but that they would have stayed above 500 feet - the lowest that aircraft are allowed to fly over land. 

A spokesman for the US Air Force at RAF Lakenheath said:

"We can confirm that the 48th Fighter Wing had aircraft operating in the Cornwall region on April 12.

"These aircraft were flying in accordance with the rules and limitations of the UK Low Flying System and would have been no less than 500 feet above the ground."

"Nevertheless, as part of an agreement with the Ministry of Defence, we will engage the MOD Low Flying Complaints Enquiry Unit and will cooperate fully with any further investigation deemed necessary."

A Facebook appeal for information on Thursday has been shared over 1,000 times and attracted hundreds of comments.

Other people commented to say they also knew of horses that had to be put down, while reports surfaced of the noise having made children cry and unnerved mourners at a wake.

Explaining why horses have to be shot in these cases, Teri Whittaker told the Plymouth Herald:

"Any noises that are very loud or things that are fast moving or bigger than them cause them to switch into fight or flight mode.

"Unfortunately they [horses] can be pretty senseless and can run into fencing or buildings. Once they've sustained such serious injuries that they cannot stand or walk a very tough decision needs to be made as to the welfare and quality of life that horse will have."

"Unlike cats and dogs, horses cannot spend time recovering lying down off their legs for long periods. Their body mass puts too much pressure on their lungs and other vital organs.

"With exceptionally prolonged periods of not standing their muscles can deteriorate leaving them too weak and unable to walk or stand. There is no coming back from this state, only suffering. This is why many people end up having to make this awful decision."